Council of Governors rejects SRC pay rise
The Council of Governors have joined a host of public officials who have rejected the proposed pay rise by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
In a statement on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru demanded an immediate withdrawal of a gazette notice by SRC seeking to increase the salaries of public officers.
"The council of governors urges for the immediate withdrawal of salary and benefits increments by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission in light of the withdrawn finance bill 2024/25. This is the noble thing to do as we collectively reflect on where we are at as a country," Waiguru said.
Kuria rejects pay rise
This came after Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Moses Kuria said his ministry would decline to effect the salary reviews by SRC in light of the current economic situation in the country.
In a statement, Kuria said that the government must exercise the same austerity measures it expects of its citizens.
"Given the resolution from the National Wage Bill Conference and the austerity measures announced by the President, it is clear that implementing the new salary structure at this time is unsustainable," Kuria observed
He added: "I believe this is more of a moral and ethical issue than an economic one."
The CS noted that it was unsustainable that the public wage bill was consuming 47 per cent of the national revenue while leaving 54 million Kenyans to share the remainder which should also go towards development.
According to the Public Finance Management Act of 2012, the public wage bill should not exceed 35 per cent of the national budget.
Kuria said the continued violation of this ideal was exerting a strain on national resources, adding: "This is a challenge we can afford to ignore."
Leaders reject pay rise
The gazette notice by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission was released in 2023, and was projected to take effect by July 1, 2024.
Some of the leaders who have openly rejected the pay rise are Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Nairobi Women rep Esther Passaris, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
This follows the call by Azimio Coalition's Kalonzo Musyoka for politicians allied to them to reject the salary increment in light with the prevailing economic hardship.
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