Members of Parliament have voiced strong objections to a proposed Sh3.7 billion reduction in their budget, arguing that the cuts will significantly impair essential operations of the August House.
The proposed budget slashes will affect several crucial areas, including mileage allowances, bodyguard payments, and office running funds.
The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has expressed concerns that the reduction will hinder its ability to facilitate the selection panel for hiring new IEBC commissioners.
According to PSC Secretary Jeremiah Nyegenye, who also serves as the Clerk of the Senate, the commission has already spent Sh32 million of its own funds to support the Nelson Makanda-led selection panel, based on the expectation of receiving this amount through supplementary estimates. However, the Treasury has failed to issue the necessary funds.
“Treasury failed to issue exchequer to the tune of Sh32 million for expenses incurred, which now will be prioritized as a first charge,” Nyegenye said.

Nyegenye added that the PSC lacks the necessary funds to fully support the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners.
“The commission is mandated to fully fund and facilitate the new panel, yet no budget provision has been made for this requirement. The vote will still require additional funding to execute this important mandate,” he stated.
The Treasury’s first supplementary estimates for the fiscal year propose a 50% reduction in domestic travel, a 100% cut in membership subscriptions, a 20% reduction in foreign travel, and a 50% cut in hospitality expenses.
Additionally, all confidential budgets, maintenance of buildings, refurbishment, purchase of buildings, office furniture, and research budgets have been eliminated.
The PSC will see a total reduction of Sh54 million, while the National Assembly’s budget is cut by Sh1.8 million, and joint services face a reduction of Sh1.2 billion.
The Senate’s budget is reduced by Sh544 million, bringing the total cuts to Sh3.7 billion.
Nyegenye warned that the reduction in domestic travel would severely impact Parliament’s core oversight functions.
“Mileage falls under domestic travel and reducing it will imply a suspension of mileage reimbursements,” he said. He also noted that the cuts would strain operations as the commission prioritizes pending bills.
The PSC has outstanding obligations amounting to Sh225 million for bodyguard facilitation, Sh88 million for suppliers including the IEBC selection panel, and Sh964 million for pending bills under the development budget.
Nyegenye highlighted that underfunding would compromise public participation and the democratic process, affecting the quality and legitimacy of legislation.
County and constituency offices, funded through confidential votes, will also face significant impacts. “Reduction of other operating expenses by 100% will significantly affect PSC operations. It is noteworthy that constituency and county expenses fall under this economic item,” Nyegenye added.
The PSC also faces challenges in repairing sections of Parliament damaged during the June 25 invasion. “The cutback is inopportune, given the urgent need for Parliament to undertake repairs and rehabilitation following the recent storming of its buildings,” Nyegenye said.
The cuts will affect ongoing projects, including settling payments for the Bunge Tower. The PSC has warned that Kenya may fail to meet international obligations due to cuts in subscriptions.
In response, the PSC has agreed to forgo Sh1.25 billion, including Sh550 million intended for constituency offices, Sh500 million for projects, and Sh75 million for county offices.
The commission is also prepared to forgo an additional Sh875 million that was allocated for salary upgrades, delaying anticipated pay raises for Parliament staff.
The Budget Committee is expected to table a report on the estimates, with several committees urging reconsideration of the Treasury’s proposal due to the lack of consultation with the affected MDAs.