Update Wednesday, March 25: Governors and will take a 30% cut in salaries as their contribution to Covid-19 efforts. Their deputies would also see a 20% reduction in salaries.
The measures were announced by Council of Governors Chairperson Wycliffe Oparanya.
Oparanya stated that the decision was in line with the President's rallying call for leaders to join the executive in taking a voluntary reduction in their salaries.
In a Press Conference hosted at State House on Wednesday, March 25, the President made an unprecedented announcement regarding salaries of government officials.
As per his decree, some would go home with significantly reduced pay.
Leading by example. he would take the largest pay cut together with Deputy President William Ruto.
The two would take home only 20% per cent of their salaries as per the decree.
"The President and Deputy President will take a voluntary pay cut of 80%," confirmed Uhuru.
Cabinet secretaries would also make their own contribution to the government's altruistic efforts to fight the pandemic by foregoing 30% of their gross monthly salaries.
"Cabinet Secretaries will voluntarily take a 30% reduction in their salaries," stated the President.
The cuts would similarly affect Chief Administrative Secretaries who would take home 70% of their usual monthly income after the cuts.
"Chief Administrative Secretaries will also see a 30% reduction," Uhuru provided.
President Kenyatta also brought Principle Secretaries into the scheme. These would get less 20% of their monthly salary as their contribution to national solidarity during the pandemic.
"Principal Secretaries will take a 20% voluntary reduction," asserted the President.
As these measures would only affect the executive branch, the President made an appeal to other arms of government to make their own contributions to the national effort against the virus.
"I call on the other arms and tiers of Government to join us in this national endeavour, by making similar voluntary reductions; which will free-up monies to combat this pandemic." the President requested.
In the legislature, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang' notably rose above the fray and took his own pay cut on Monday, March 23.
He announced a 30% cut for himself that would also apply to his Deputy Yulita Mitei.
Members of his cabinet including County Executive Committee members as well as chief officers would similarly take a 25% pay cut for the months of March and April.