John AdoyiSome lawmakers in Kenya’s parliament have opposed plans by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to hike the salaries of top government officials, stating that there are more pressing issues to be addressed not salary increments.
This is as Kenyans continue to protest high taxation imposed by the country’s new finance bill—now discarded—alongside other economic challenges ravaging the country.
In August 2023, the SRC published a list of salary increments for all state officers, except the president and his deputy, as part of its third review cycle. The proposals took effect from 1st July 2024.
The proposal indicated that both Speakers of the House would receive an increment from 1,185,327 Kenyan Shillings ($9,224.33) to 1,208,362 Kenyan Shillings ($9,403.59). Their deputies would also see an increase, earning 966,690 Kenyan Shillings ($7,522.87), up from 948,261 Kenyan Shillings ($7,379.46). MPs and Senators would earn 739,600 Kenyan Shillings, up from the previous 725,502 Kenyan Shillings.
The economic situation in Kenya has deteriorated significantly, exacerbating the sufferings of its citizens. High taxation, as imposed by the now-discarded finance bill, coupled with inflation and rising unemployment, has left many Kenyans struggling to make ends meet.
Kenya’s Finance Bill of 2024 was supposed to increase government revenue through taxes, satisfying a condition of the IMF loan. But Kenyans, already struggling with high inflation, kicked against it.
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Kenyans are demanding better governance and policies that address their economic challenges. The rejection of salary increase by some lawmakers reflects a growing recognition among leaders of the need to prioritise the welfare of the citizens over personal financial gains as the country’s economy is on a downward spiral.
Rejecting the proposed salary increment, Senate Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot, stated that senators’ earnings must reflect the current state of the economy. While addressing the Senate, Mr. Cheruiyot questioned why the SRC has remained silent during the anti-government protests instead of proposing solutions to resolve the country’s economic woes.
He added that public officers, including Members of Parliament, have no option but to take pay cuts to reduce the rising wage bill. “The yearly increment that is being discussed—I saw it being reported or misreported that we are now going to earn more; SRC continues to be silent about it. We must make a resolution and say that we reject even that one in light of the financial situation,” he said.
In a Facebook post, another Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, stated: “It’s sad to increase salaries while Kenyans have no jobs, no capital to start businesses, no money to pay fees, and no money for medication. Say no to salary increment,” he added.
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Another MP, Marianne Kitany, also rejected the salary increment, stating that “If anything, we should be having a discussion on salary reduction, not hikes. We must focus on reducing unnecessary expenditures and concentrating on strategies to restore peace and strengthen our economy. It is also imperative to address the pressing issues at hand before considering such increments.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also rejected the proposed salary increase that would see his pay rise by Sh14,000. “Let’s be clear what we are talking about here. The SRC is proposing to add 14k to my salary. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t need it. It’s still money, in a country where many have no income, but for perspective, I pay close to 300k in income tax every month,” Sifuna said. “I will not fight for 14k extra when the whole country is saying we need to lessen the taxpayer burden. I don’t want this 14k.”
