Kenyan legislators trying to change the constitution so they can determine their own pay again

NAIROBI, Kenya – A Kenyan constitutional expert says the country's legislators are quietly attempting to change the constitution to reclaim powers to determine their own salaries.

The issue is contentious in Kenya, where many citizens see legislators as greedy and overpaid.

Kamotho Waiganjo, a commissioner with a government body overseeing the implementation of Kenya's 2010 constitution, said legislators want to change the constitution so their salary is not determined by a government commission. Waiganjo says if legislators are successful they will no longer be subject to constitutional provisions on leadership and integrity that outlines how leaders should behave.

Legislators in June agreed to lower salaries of around $75,000 a year after weeks of demanding higher pay. Legislators previously were paid around $120,000. The average Kenyan earns about $1,800 a year.