Quick Answer
Your Member of Parliament represents your constituency in the National Assembly. The job is fundamentally national law-making and oversight — passing laws, approving national taxes and budgets, and checking the national government.
Key facts
- Represents one constituency; there are 290 elected MPs.
- Makes national laws and approves national budgets and taxes.
- Oversees the national executive.
- Elected per constituency for a five-year term.
MP at a glance
Level of government: National Assembly (representing a constituency)
Electoral unit: Constituency (one per constituency)
Number of seats: 290 elected (plus 12 nominated)
Term: 5 years
Term limit: None
Monthly salary (SRC): KES 739,600 gross per month (FY2024/25 — verify against latest SRC notice)
What does an MP do?
An MP has three core constitutional duties, plus a representation role:
- Making national laws — debating, amending and passing the Bills that become legislation.
- Controlling national money — approving national taxes, the budget and government spending.
- Oversight — holding the national executive (the President and Cabinet) to account.
- Representing the constituency’s interests in national debates.
MPs have long been linked to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), which directs money to constituency projects such as schools and bursaries. Its legal status is contested and unsettled: the High Court declared the NG-CDF Act unconstitutional in September 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned that in February 2026, and the matter has since gone to the Supreme Court. Always state the current position and date when you publish — do not describe NG-CDF as a settled MP function.
How is an MP elected, and for how long?
Voters elect one MP per constituency — 290 elected constituency seats — using first-past-the-post (the candidate with the most votes wins). The term is five years. The National Assembly also includes nominated members.
How much does an MP earn?
An MP earns a gross monthly salary set by the SRC. As at the FY2024/25 review, a Member of the National Assembly earned KES 739,600 per month. Confirm the current amount before publishing.
Who holds an MP accountable?
An MP answers to the constituency’s voters at each election, and as a member of the National Assembly shares the duty of overseeing the national government and its spending.
Why your MP matters to you
Your MP shapes the national laws and taxes that affect everyone, and represents your constituency’s concerns in Parliament. Understanding the office helps you know which problems belong to your MP and which belong to your county leaders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main job of an MP?
Making national laws, approving national budgets and taxes, and overseeing the national government.
Is the NG-CDF still active?
Its legal status has been disputed in court and is unsettled. Check the latest ruling before relying on any statement about it.
What’s the difference between an MP and an MCA?
An MP makes national law in Parliament; an MCA makes county law in the County Assembly and represents a much smaller area — your ward.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Chapter Eight (The Legislature), Articles 95 & 97 — klrc.go.ke
- National Assembly, Parliament — parliament.go.ke
- Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) — src.go.ke