Senior Government officials including members of the executive and legislature are set for a pay rise following a Gazette notice by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Though gazetted in 2023, the new salary hikes for the government officials kicked in on July 1, 2024, eliciting mixed reactions from members of the public, especially at a time when the President William Ruto administration has been on the spot over corruption and wastage.
President Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua will retain their salaries from the previous fiscal year at Ksh1,443,750 and Ksh1,227,188 respectively.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wtangula and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi will earn Ksh1,208,362 up from Ksh1,185,327. Both deputy speakers will also be getting a raise from Ksh948,261 to Ksh966,690.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Attorney-General Justin Muturi, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, and Cabinet Secretaries will pocket Ksh990,000 a month up from Ksh957,000 in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
All governors are set to earn Ksh990,000, 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.
Principal Secretaries, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji, and Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome will take home a monthly Ksh819,844, representing a Ksh27,325 bump from the previous Ksh792,519.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, NA Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo will earn Ksh800,019 up from Ksh784,768.
MPs and Senators will take home Ksh739,600 from the past Ksh725,502.
A section of leaders have since questioned the timing of the salary hikes, noting that the funds would be much needed elsewhere, especially at a time when the country is advocating for increased fiscal austerity measures within government.
“MPs and other state officers should not be added even a https://coin.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 increment,” Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stated.
“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 Ksh300,000 in income tax every month. I will not fight for Ksh14,000 extra when the whole country is saying we need to lessen taxpayer burden,” Senator Edwin Sifuna stated.
