The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has broken silence over the proposed salary hikes for state officers including Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators.
SRC in a press briefing on July 3 issued a response and clarification after uproar over a Gazette Notice from the commission dated August 9, 2023, which noted that state officers were scheduled to get salary and benefit increments starting July 1.
Lyn Mengich, SRC Chairperson, during the press briefing clarified on salary increases in the public service noting that the commission has frozen the upward review of salaries for all state officers.
Further, Mengich said that SRC will review taking account the economy, contractual agreements, and budget.
“In view of the emerging fiscal constraints and the proposed budget cuts, and in further consultation with stakeholders, including and the National Treasury, SRC has reviewed the setting and advice of pay for the second phase of the implementation – 2024/2025.
Therefore, in consultation with the National Treasury, SRC hereby freezes the upward review of salaries for all State officers and will review the advice for all other public officers, taking into account the current realities of the economy, a reduced budget and existing contractual commitments, so as to ensure affordability and fiscal sustainability of the wage bill, “read part of the statement.
SRC Salary proposals
The clarification came following widespread uproar from Kenyans including a section of MPs and Senators who joined hands to oppose the salary hikes.
In the new proposals, both the Speaker of Senate and the National Assembly and the Senate were set to receive Sh1,208,362 from Sh1,185,327.
Also Read: Ruto Gives Directive on Notice Recommending Salary Increments for MPs
In addition, the two were set to receive Ksh40 million mortgage, Ksh25,000 airtime and official residence.
On the other hand, the Majority and Minority leaders in both houses were set to walk home with Ksh800,019 from the previous Ksh784,768.
Members of Parliament and Senators were to receive a pay rise from the initial Ksh725,502 to Ksh739,600.
The pay rise notice which took effect on July 1 rise was met with widespread opposition even from leaders as it came at a time when Kenyans are protesting over high taxes.
Following the uproar, President William Ruto had earlier been forced to intervene with State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announcing that the President has directed the National Treasury to review the SRC notice.
“President William Ruto has directed the National Treasury to review the Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regarding the remuneration & benefits for State officers in the Executive of the National Government, the Senate & the National Assembly,” said Hussein.
Also Read: MPs Reject Pay Rise, Gang Up Against SRC
The order by the Head of State according to Hussein, came in light of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and the fiscal constraints expected this financial year.
Governors reject pay rise
The Council of Governors (COG) had also urged for the withdrawal of SRC-recommended pay rise citing need to ‘collectively reflect’ following Finance Bill rejection.
COG through its chairperson Anne Waiguru addressed the Gazette Notice on remuneration and benefits of state officers by SRC which also included County Governments.
“We note with the great concern that the Country is currently facing harsh economic times that will require austerity measures and fiscal discipline and responsibility.
In view of this, the Council of Governors urges the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to immediately withdraw the proposed salary increments for all County State Officers including; Governors, Deputy Governors and County Executive Committee Members,” read part of the statement.
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