5 MPs, 2 Senators Join Hands In Calling Out SRC For Salary Hike Proposal
On Monday, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) imposed a salary increase for a variety of state officers, including the President and County Assembly members.
According to the new rates that went into effect on July 1, speakers of both houses of Parliament will receive an increase from Ksh1,185,327 to Ksh1,208,362.
The rates also indicated that their deputies would receive a raise of Ksh948,261 to Ksh966,690, while Majority Leaders would receive a Ksh15,251.
MPs and Senators will now be paid Ksh739,600, up from Ksh725,502 previously.
Kenyans were outraged by the new law, which required the commission to raise state officers’ salaries.
This comes at a time when protests are raging in the streets over the high cost of living and the punitive tax burden on taxpayers.
A few legislators and one governor also joined the protest against the SRC’s decision to fatten their pockets.
Phelix Odiwuor
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor aka Jalang’o noted that the increment looks like a setup for more animosity between the legislatures and their constituents.
There are things that almost look like a setup! We are in a crisis and SRC are proposing an increment of 14K ! Yaani mnataka tupigwe tukufe ndio mfurahi? Mimi sitaki! pic.twitter.com/vDZL1RBify
— JALANG'O (@JalangoMwenyewe) July 3, 2024
“There are things that almost look like a setup! We are in a crisis and SRC are proposing an increment of 14K ! Yaani mnataka tupigwe tukufe ndio mfurahi? Mimi sitaki!” He posted on X.
Babu Owino
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stated unequivocally on Tuesday night that no member of the August House deserves an additional coin.
“MPs and other state officers should not be added even a coin,” he told his 1.4 million followers across two major social media platforms.
“It’s sad to increase salary while Kenyans have no jobs, Kenyans have no capital to start businesses, Kenyans have no money to pay school fees, No money for medication. Say no to salary increments.”
Marianne Kitany
His position was supported by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who argued that the increase was unnecessary given the current state of affairs.
“Given the current state of affairs in our country and with the ongoing demonstrations and economic instability, in my view, this is not the right time to prioritize any salary hikes for public officials. If anything we should be having a discussion on salary reduction but not hikes,” she stated.
“It is crucial that we 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. Therefore as a conscientious Kenyan and an elected Member of Parliament, I firmly oppose the proposed salary increase.
“Our immediate concern should be the welfare of the nation and its citizens, ensuring stability and sustainable progress.”
Edwin Sifuna
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, an ODM member, took a personal tone and denied having asked for a salary hike and therefore called for its removal.
“MPs’ payrise amid chaos” is a bit of outrage hunting @citizentvkenya .
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) July 3, 2024
Let’s be clear what we are talking about here.
The SRC is proposing to add me 14k on 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… https://t.co/3dxdUBM8Eb
“The SRC is proposing to add Ksh14,000 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,” he lamented.
“I will not fight for Ksh14,000 extra when the whole country is saying we need to lessen taxpayer burden. I don’t want this Ksh14,000.”
Aaron Cheruiyot
Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged lawmakers to be willing to accept a pay cut.
“If it means taking a pay cut, we as members of parliament have been told that we will never do it. We don’t have an option, we must do it…!” he stated.
“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.”
Peter Kaluma.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, on the other hand, considers the salary increase a scandal.
“It is not right just as it is scandalous for SRC to imagine increasing the pay of State Officers. This Commission needs to be serious!” He stated.
Caleb Amisi
His Saboti counterpart, Caleb Amisi, confirmed that he had already written a letter to the speaker opposing the increase.
Katherine Omanyo
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo also turned down the raise.
“We shouldn’t discuss pay raises when the economy is performing poorly,” she stated.
“Let’s avoid burdening Kenyans with loans and excessive taxes for salary increments. As a member of parliament, I haven’t asked for more pay. SRC, I decline the pay rise.”
James Orengo (Governor)
Siaya Governor James Orengo is the only governor who has expressed his displeasure.
The salary increases for state officers including governors is absolutely unwarranted at this time.
— James Orengo (@orengo_james) July 2, 2024
“The salary increases for state officers including governors are absolutely unwarranted at this time.”
All governors are set to earn Ksh990,000 beginning this month. This represents an increase of Ksh33,000 from their previous quote of Ksh957,000.
Deputy Governors will also receive an increase, from Ksh652,742 to Ksh684,233.
Former Senator Milicent Omanga called the increase a betrayal to Kenyans.
“It’s a betrayal to Kenyans for salaries and other benefits of state officers to be increased at this point in time when there’s agitation for the same to be reduced,” Omanga stated.
“We can’t always take Kenyans for fools. Reduce, not increase. That’s what Kenyans are demanding!”
Here’s a complete list of state officers who are expected to see salary increases starting this month.
5 MPs, 2 Senators Join Hands In Calling Out SRC For Salary Hike Proposal
