Deputy ministers in Kenya complain they have nothing to do

At least 30 assistant Kenyan ministers have written a letter to the president, complaining they have no work to do.

"I just go to the office and read newspapers", said Abu Chiaba, an assistant fisheries minister.

His counterpart in the wildlife and tourism ministry said he learnt of policy decision in the press.

"We owe it to the taxpayer that what we are paid is commensurate with what we do," they said in a letter addressed to the president.

"I'm treated like a shadow and only learn of issues in my ministry through the press," said assistant Tourism and Wildlife Minister Kalembe Ndile.

But some Kenyans are wondering why they have taken so long to complain about their lack of work, only raising the issue six months before general elections are due.