SRC freezes public officers’ pay hike amid uproar

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has frozen the proposed increment in the salaries of public officials, citing austerity measures and the prevailing economic situation in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the commission said they would stop the salary review implementation after consultations with various stakeholders.

"In view of the emerging fiscal constraints and the proposed budget cuts, and existing contractual commitments, and in further consultation with stakeholders, including the National Treasury, SRC has reviewed the setting and advice of pay for the second phase of the implementation," SRC chair Lyn Mengich said.

The commission stated that it was alive to the national discourse concerning salaries for public and state officers and that it was consistent with SRC's mandate to review salaries according to prevailing circumstances.

"Therefore, in consultation with the National Treasury, SRC hereby freezes the upward review of salaries for all State officers, and will review the advice for all other public officers, taking into account the current realities of the economy, and a reduced budget so as to ensure affordability and fiscal sustainability of the wage bill," Mengich added.

SRC caves to pressure

During the press conference at the Williamson House along 4th Ngong Avenue, Mengich took note of a media report which alluded that the gazette notice had been recently announced. She clarified that the notice was released in 2023.

SRC also said that the review came after a two-year freeze on pay structures for the periods 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, on account of the impact of Covid-19 on the economy.

"SRC takes this early opportunity to clarify that the salary increases for State officers have not been newly gazetted, as referenced in the media. SRC set and published a Gazette Notice on 9 August 2023, as part of the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle for State and Other Public Officers, that would be implemented over a two-year period, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025," Mengich clarified.

This came after public outcry following reports that the gazette notice would take effect on July 1, 2024, amid tough economic times faced by ordinary Kenyans.

The pay rise also came after President William Ruto announced drastic austerity measures following the rejection of the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which has been of national interest for weeks, with protests degenerating into violent looting and public unrest.

The Council of Governors, Azimio leaders and several other members of Parliament have openly rejected the move by SRC to increase their salaries in light of the prevailing conditions.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria also called on the Commission to degazette its intention to increase the salaries as it was causing a strain in the government's coffers.

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