Azimio politicians directed to reject SRC’s proposed salary increment

Members of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition have been directed to reject the proposal by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to increase their salaries.

Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka claimed on Wednesday that the SRC proposal is a tactic used by the government to divert Kenyans from the real issues.

"The intention is to divert public attention from the real issues by purporting to adjust the salaries of senior state officers, members of parliament, members of county assemblies, and governors upwards at a time when the country's economy is not doing well. We have told our members to reject the salary increments," he said during a media briefing.

Minority Leader at the National Assembly, Opiyo Wandayi, echoed the same sentiments, noting that it would be insensitive for the MPS to accept any salary increment amidst the ongoing protests against the government.

"The public has been calling for a reduction in salaries paid to senior officers, including MPs. I have rejected the salary increment by the SRC and would ask my colleagues in the coalition to follow suit," he urged.

The salary adjustment follows Gazette Notice No. 10346 issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on August 9, 2023.

The SRC's notice entails a review and establishment of remuneration and benefits for State Officers within the Executive arm of the National Government, as part of the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle spanning Financial Years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025.

"Monthly Remuneration Structure for State Officers in the Executive of the National Government to be implemented in the financial year 2024/2025, with effect from July 1, 2024," reads the gazette notice.

Only salaries for President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who earn Sh1,443,750 and Sh1,227,188, respectively, will not be adjusted.

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga consult each other at a past press briefing. (Photo: ODM)

In Parliament, the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate will see their salaries increase from Sh1,185,327 to Sh1,208,362. Their deputies will also receive a raise, with their salaries rising from Sh948,261 to Sh 966,690.

Members of Parliament and Senators will now earn Sh739,600, up from Sh725,502.

Similarly, Leaders of the Majority and Minority in both houses, including Kimani Ichung'wah, Opiyo Wandayi, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, and Stewart Madzayo, will receive an increment of Sh15,251 with their new salaries amounting to Sh800,019, up from Sh784,768.

County governments are also adjusting their officials' salaries, with all 47 governors set to earn Sh990,000, reflecting an increase of Sh33,000 from their previous salary of Sh957,000.

Deputy Governors will also see a raise, with their salaries increasing from Sh652,742 to Sh684,233

Azimio's Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino had publicly rejected the increase and noted 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, X and Facebook.

"It's sad to increase salary while Kenyans have no jobs, no capital to start businesses, no money to pay school fees, and no money for medication. Say no to salary increments."

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, an ODM member, also rejected the proposal, saying he never asked for a salary hike and therefore called for the hike to be removed.

"The SRC is proposing to add Sh14,000 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 Ksh300,000 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 Sh14,000," Sifuna added

ODM's Siaya Governor, James Orengo, also voiced his displeasure saying "The salary increases for state officers, including governors are absolutely unwarranted at this time," he stated.

Siaya Governor James Orengo speaks at the funeral of Fred Omondi, comedian and emcee, on June 29, 2024. (Photo: James Orengo)