By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The President of Kenya, William Ruto, has ordered immediate review of plans to increase salaries of his cabinet members and members of parliament (MPs), arising from public outcry less than two weeks after protesters set part of the parliamentary building on fire.
The Kenyan leader had announced decision to drop the controversial finance bill that had included tax increase, after demonstrators had kicked against it.
Kenyans had queried why the salaries of politicians, including governors, could be increased at a time the East African country is facing financial crisis.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had presented a recommendation for pay increase, between 2% and 5%, covering all state officials, including judges as well.
SRC had in a notice issued last year proposed that the increases take effect from the beginning of this month.
Public Service Minister Moses Kuria however said he would not implement the increases “as applies” to the cabinet members.
Heritage Times HT reports that protesters had said they were already hit by high cost of living and could not afford a tax hike, forcing Ruto to drop the 2024 finance bill after it was passed by the parliamentarians.
Many Kenyans had urged the government to first reduce spending, which President Ruto has vowed to do.
Several lawmakers – including Aaron Cheruiyot, a senator from the ruling coalition – have called for parliament to reject the pay increase.
On Tuesday, however, Samuel Njoroge, clerk of the National Assembly, told local media that the SRC’s recommendation could not be overturned as it affected all state officers.
“The changes are normal salary reviews or increments in any organisation,” he was quoted as saying.
