National Assembly Committee on Members Services and Facilities chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Wachira Karani last week undertook a tour of selected constituencies and county MPs' offices. During the tour  staff working for Members in constituency offices asked the Committee to recommend for their training on Parliamentary duties, to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

The staff told Members that since they were employed they have not been inducted on parliamentary work and that, to understand their roles better training is key. 

The Committee visited the Kilifi North Constituency, Kilifi South Constituency, Malindi Constituency and Kilifi Woman Representative offices to inspect the status of the offices, interact with employees and listen to their needs.

The Committee was divided into two teams one led by Hon Dr Karani and the other led by the Vice Chairperson Hon. Feisal Bader. 

Hon Bader led his team in visiting Kwale Woman Representative Hon. Fatuma Masito's office and also met the Kwale County Commissioner.

In addition, the  Committee visited Msambweni, Nyali ,Kisauni and Likoni Constituency offices and Mombasa Woman Representative office.

Constituency staff had an opportunity to interact with Members and share their experiences and challenges which include delay in payments of gratuity and employer not submitting their statutory deductions on time. This, they said, exposed them to financial challenges. .

Responding to the concerns raised, Hon.Karani said the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC)  has cushion staff from financial challenges by paying them their salaries monthly as opposed to after three months as was the case in the past. 

He added that the Committee has taken seriously the grievances raised by staff and will ensure that they are addressed by PSC.