There was a collective sigh of relief in the chambers on Wednesday when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced that MPs would be proceeding on recess.

The legislators were understandably delighted by the reality of retreating to their constituencies on recess for the second time this year. Equally tantalizing besides resting for two weeks was the opportunity the recess presents-raking in billions in mileage allowances for breaking away from their workstations.

This is the greatest irony. That the 349, some of Kenya's most highly paid public servants with an average pay of Sh1,105,611 also rest the most since the lawmakers spend 172 days, or 5 months and seven days away from parliament.