President Ruto Urges Salary Review Amid Economic Constraints
President William Ruto
President William Ruto has called for an immediate review of proposed salary increments for state officers, citing the necessity for fiscal discipline.
Public Outcry Over Proposed Salary Hikes
A recent gazette notice by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) announcing salary increases for the Executive and Legislature from July 1, 2024, has stirred public backlash, triggering calls for reduced public spending.
Directives from State House
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed conveyed President Ruto’s directive to the National Treasury, urging a reconsideration of the gazette notice. This directive follows the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and anticipated fiscal constraints in the upcoming financial year.
Cabinet Secretary’s Perspective
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria echoed the need for austerity measures despite SRC’s mandate to conduct regular salary reviews. He emphasized adherence to resolutions from the Third National Wage Bill Conference aimed at reducing the national wage bill to 35% of the budget.
Kuria’s Statement on Economic Sustainability
Kuria underscored the economic strain posed by current salary expenditure trends, labeling it a critical issue demanding immediate attention.
Resistance to Implementation
Kuria declined to implement the gazette notice, urging SRC to reverse the new salary structure.
Proposed Salary Adjustments
Under the proposed adjustments, Cabinet Secretaries were slated to earn Ksh.990,000, up from Ksh.957,000. Similarly, the Attorney General and Prime Cabinet Secretary were set for the same increment.
Principal Secretaries (PSs) were due to receive Ksh.819,844, up from Ksh.792,519, while Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate were poised for a rise from Ksh.1.1 million to Ksh.1.2 million.
Impact on Governors, MPs, and Senators
Governors were slated for a salary increase to Ksh.990,000, up from Ksh.957,000. All 349 MPs and 67 senators were set to see their earnings climb from Ksh.725,502 to Ksh.739,600.
The Inspector General of Police and the National Intelligence Service Director General were also in line for an increment to Ksh.819,844, up from Ksh.792,519.
