The Chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Lyn Mengich on Wednesday froze all the proposed salary increments for state officials.
While addressing the press, the SRC boss noted the move was part of the austerity measures recommended by the National Treasury.
According to Mengich, the decision was reached following the budget cuts and the fiscal measures put in place by the government in light of the current economic situation facing the country.
"What is frozen is what would have been implemented in this financial year but we are now taking into account the fiscal constraints and the budgetary cuts," the SRC boss noted.
"You are all aware that the government stated that there will be budgetary cuts and will therefore impact what would have been implemented from the first of July this year."
While making the announcement, the SRC chairperson commended Members of Parliament and other government officials for backing up the decision to revoke the pay hikes.
She called on the lawmakers to work handily with the remuneration commission to ensure a balance is established between the wage bill and the revenue collected.
"As a commission, we support all stakeholders who are aligned with what we have always talked about. We have always talked about the reduction of the wage bill," Mengich remarked.
"We are aware that several MPs have come out in the past few days, especially today to support the position that SRC has always taken and have indicated they are supporting a freeze."
Mengich further reiterated the commission had been conscious of the need to ensure the sustainability of the public wage bill and the measures towards ensuring that public service operates within the prescribed affordability limits.
The move comes hours after President Ruto ordered the Treasury to review the gazette notice issued by SRC that recommended the increase in the salaries of state officers.
In a press statement, Ruto insisted on the need for all arms of the government including the executive to live within their means following the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.
