Lawmakers reject proposed salary increase citing economic struggles

Several lawmakers have rejected a proposed pay increase by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), that would see their monthly pay go from Sh725,502 to Sh739,600.

The move has stirred widespread criticism as the country grapples with economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also comes as protests take place countywide for President William Ruto to resign for reasons including funds wastage by his government, wanton corruption, and excessive taxation.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna rejected the higher salary during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, noting the need to ease the burden on taxpayers, not increase it.

“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 Sh300,000 in income tax every month. I will not fight for Sh14,000 extra when the whole country is saying we need to lessen taxpayer burden. I don’t want this Sh14,000,” he said.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot urged his colleagues to reject the proposal to "save Kenyans' pockets".

“We don’t have an option, we must do it. We must make a resolution and reject this in light of the financial situation,” he said.

Senator @Aaroncheruiyot: The yearly salary increment that is being discussed, we must make a resolution and say, we reject in light with financial situation. pic.twitter.com/2klmKpnJOd

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 3, 2024

Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo also rejected the SRC's proposal, saying the needy should cater to the needy in society.

“I do not want my salary to be increased. Let it be given to the needy so they can manage their dire situations,” he said.

Several MPs registered their disapproval via X, the social media platform, among them Yatta MP Robert Basil.

“As a patriot who loves my country and who understands the economic challenges and the current predicament of my Kenyan people and my constituents for that matter, I register displeasure with the salary increment from the SRC, which is happening when our country is grappling with the hefty wage bill and as a result, I vehemently reject the salary increment,” he said.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan criticised the SRC, chaired by Lyn Mengich, for its decision to increase salaries for MPs and other state officers, describing it as an insensitive and out-of-touch move, considering the current economic reality.

“The move ... speaks of a state agency that has lost touch with the prevailing economic state of the country. This unwarranted action by the commission is grossly insensitive, tone-deaf and should be loudly condemned and unequivocally declined,” he said.

Senator @scherargei : We invited SRC here & they told us they don't have money to increase the UHC Doctors and JSS. We never requested salary increments, and SRC is abusing its powers by trying to set us up against the public, I propose the disbandment of SRC. pic.twitter.com/WxgzHOHlX0

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 3, 2024

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino condemned the move saying it’s wrong for the government to increase salaries while Kenyans go to bed hungry, and are jobless or running businesses are on the brink of closure.

“MPs and other state officers should not be added even a coin. It’s sad to increase salaries 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 increment,” he said.

Aldai MP Marianne Kitany also opposed the move, noting it is ill-advised, what with the current state of affairs.

“I have learnt that the SRC is proposing a salary increment for MPs to the tune of Sh14,000. Given the current state of affairs, this is not the right time to prioritise any salary hikes for public officials. If anything we should be discussing salary reductions. Therefore, as a conscientious Kenyan and an elected MP, I firmly oppose the proposed salary increase."

Ugenya MP David Ochieng added, “The SRC must freeze any upward adjustment of salaries and emoluments for state officers forthwith, including mine. Because we don’t set our salaries, it behoves us in unison to ask the SRC to read the state of the economy and signs of the times and act accordingly.”

President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government has been under scrutiny for overburdening Kenyans while inadequately funding key sectors like education and health.

In an interview last week, Ruto said his hands were tied when asked about reducing state officers' salaries. He said, however, that several austerity measures have been considered.

He instead noted that he was ready to have a dialogue with the youths, to address their concerns.