On Monday, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) enforced a salary increase for various state officers from the President to the members of the County Assembly.
According to the new rates that took effect on July 1, speakers of both houses in Parliament will get an increment from Ksh1,185,327 to Ksh1,208,362.
The rates also indicated that their deputies would pocket a raise from Ksh948,261 to Ksh966,690 while Majority Leaders would see a Ksh15,251. New salaries for MPs and Senators will be Ksh739,600 from the past Ksh725,502.
The new law enraged Kenyans who called out the commission for enforcing pay rise for state officers, cutting across to leadership in government, at a time when protests are marring the streets over a high cost of living and punitive tax burden to the taxpayer.
A handful of lawmakers and one governor also joined the movement criticising SRC for its decision to fatten their pockets.
Babu Owino
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, in a statement on Tuesday night, blatantly noted that no member of the August House deserves an added 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 stance was supported by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, who maintained that the increase was unwarranted due to 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 denying that he asked for a salary hike and therefore called for the hike to be removed.
"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 floor of the Senate on Wednesday, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot advocated for the lawmakers to be willing to take 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….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," he stated.
Peter Kaluma
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, on the other hand, term the salary increment a scandalous affair.
"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 rejecting the increase.
Catherine Omanyo
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo also declined the raise.
"We shouldn't discuss pay raises when the economy is performing poorly. 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," she stated.
Jalang'o
Lang'ata Constituency MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, termed the increment as a setup in a time of crisis.
"Some things almost look like a setup. We are in a crisis, and the SRC is proposing an increment of Ksh14,000. Do they want us to be beaten up so that they can be happy? I don't want that," he stated.
James Orengo (Governor)
Siaya Governor James Orengo, the only Governor voicing his displeasure, noted, "The salary increases for state officers including governors are absolutely unwarranted at this time."
All governors are set to earn Ksh990,000 from this month. This is an increase of Ksh33,000 from their previous quote of Ksh957,000. Deputy Governors will also get an increase from Ksh652,742 to Ksh684,233.
Former Senator Milicent Omanga termed the increment 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. We can't always take Kenyans for fools. Reduce, not increase. That's what Kenyans are demanding!"
Here is a full breakdown of state officers expected to enjoy hiked salaries beginning this month.
