•They used to be paid transport fee only, depending on the distance, could range between Sh8 and Sh50.
• Finally, a gratuity was factored into the budget and the councillors hope they receive it before they die; Sh200,000 to Sh600,000 depending on how log they served.
Image: Felix Kipkemoi
As he sits on a couch in a small office in Bomet town, Alexander Koskei,90, looks like many elderly men.
But Koskei is the longest-serving councillor in Kipsigis land, having been elected unopposed for six consecutive terms from 1969 to 1993. He served on the old Nyanza/Kipsigis county council.
He vividly recalls his days as a civic leader and wishes he could continue, though age is fast catching up.
Unlike what MCAs rake in nowadays, Koskei said he only earned a transportation fee, depending on distance.
"I used to be paid Sh48 yearly to travel from my home in Sigor to the Kericho County Council offices for three annual sessions.
"One had to present a travel ticket so you can be reimbursed your fare and that is the only money we could earn as post-Independence councilors," he adds.
Koskei alongside 12,000 others former councillors across the country have nothing much to celebrate. Despite their many years of service, they have been neglected.
Their quest for compensation, a gratuity, from the government has been obstructed by hurdles, which they claim is due to lack of goodwill from some quarters.
As their struggle continues, Koskei’s only hope is that government could fast-track the release of their gratuity, saying the continued delay was affecting them psychologically.
When it is MPs or other programmes, government acts fast, but when it's councillors demanding a small appreciation for the work they did, no one takes it seriouslyFormer councillor Alexander Koskei
Urging Treasury CS Ukur Yatani to be sincere, Koskei argued their patience and time were running out. Most beneficiaries are elderly or not in good health and might not enjoying their just deserts.
“We want to be told the truth about this money because we do not want to be kept in a state of confusion. We are waiting yet there is no goodwill …this money could be a boost to many of us," Koskei said.
Many old councillors live in poverty.
While the government fails to act, more and more old councillors die and soon the 'nuisance' will be gone. Better to pay for house allowances, fancy cars and sitting allowances, entertainment and travel.
“When it is MPs or other programmes, the government acts fast, but when it comes to councillors demanding a small appreciation for the work they did, no one takes it seriously," he said.
Early last month, the government offered to pay 12,247 the civic leaders a Sh2.6 billion retirement package. CS Yatani said it would be factored into the next budget.
Each councillor would receive Sh200,000 to Sh600,000, depending on the number of terms they served.
Some 328 of them who served four consecutive terms will each be paid Sh664,820. The 11,919 who served fewer than four terms are to receive Sh200, 000 in the arrangement.
They hope to receive the money before they die.
(Edited by V. Graham)