List of MPs and Senators Rejecting Pay Increase

The recent salary increments for various state officers, including the President and members of the County Assembly, have stirred significant controversy in Kenya. This decision, made by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), comes into effect amid a period marked by public unrest over the rising cost of living and increased taxation.

Breakdown of the New Salary Increments:

1. President and Deputy President:
   • President: Previously, the President’s salary was Ksh1,650,000, now increased to Ksh1,750,000.
   • Deputy President: From Ksh1,487,500 to Ksh1,550,000.
2. Speakers of Parliament:
   • National Assembly Speaker: Increase from Ksh1,185,327 to Ksh1,208,362.
   • Senate Speaker: Matching the National Assembly Speaker’s raise.
   • Deputy Speakers: From Ksh948,261 to Ksh966,690.
3. Majority Leaders in Both Houses:
   • From Ksh925, 252 to Ksh940,503.
4. Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators:
   • Increment from Ksh725,502 to Ksh739,600.
5. Governors:
   • From Ksh957,000 to Ksh990,000.
6. Deputy Governors:
   • From Ksh652,742 to Ksh684,233.
7. Members of County Assembly (MCAs):
   • From Ksh144,375 to Ksh165,000.

Public Reaction and Criticism:

The decision to increase salaries has been met with widespread criticism from both the public and several lawmakers, who argue that the timing is inappropriate given the economic struggles facing many Kenyans. The key points of contention include:

• Economic Hardship: Many Kenyans are grappling with unemployment, high costs of living, and insufficient funds for essential services such as education and healthcare. Critics argue that this is not the right time to increase the salaries of state officers when the general populace is suffering.
• Tax Burden: The increased tax burden on Kenyans, meant to support these salary increments, has been a focal point of protests. There is a strong sentiment that the government should prioritize reducing taxes and economic pressure on citizens rather than increasing the pay of already well-compensated officials.

Voices Against the Salary Increase:

Several prominent figures in the political landscape have voiced their opposition to the SRC’s decision:

1. Babu Owino (MP for Embakasi East):
   • Babu Owino expressed his strong opposition to the salary hikes, emphasizing the plight of ordinary Kenyans struggling with basic needs. He argued that the focus should be on addressing unemployment and lack of capital for small businesses.
2. Marianne Kitany (MP for Aldai):
   • Kitany criticized the timing of the increments, highlighting the need for austerity and the prioritization of economic stability over salary hikes. She suggested that discussions should be geared towards salary reductions instead.
3. Edwin Sifuna (Senator for Nairobi):
   • Sifuna stated that he neither asked for nor needed the proposed increase, and stressed the importance of alleviating the taxpayer burden instead. He underscored his substantial tax contributions as a point of reference for the broader economic context.
4. Aaron Cheruiyot (Senate Majority Leader):
   • Cheruiyot called for lawmakers to be open to pay cuts, insisting that the financial situation of the country necessitates rejecting the increment and possibly accepting reductions in their salaries.
5. Peter Kaluma (MP for Homa Bay Town):
   • Kaluma labeled the salary increase as scandalous, criticizing the SRC for considering such measures amidst the current economic crisis.
6. Caleb Amisi (MP for Saboti):
   • Amisi took immediate action by writing to the Speaker to reject the pay increase, aligning with the sentiment of reducing the financial burden on Kenyans.
7. Catherine Omanyo (Woman Representative for Busia):
   • Omanyo echoed the call to focus on the economy and avoid additional burdens on Kenyans. She declined the salary increment and questioned the need for such discussions during economic downturns.
8. James Orengo (Governor of Siaya):
   • Orengo, the only governor to voice opposition, declared the increases unjustified and emphasized that they are unwarranted during such challenging times.
9. Millicent Omanga (Former Senator):
   • Omanga framed the increments as a betrayal, advocating for reductions instead, reflecting the demands of the populace.

Broader Implications:

The backlash against these salary increments reflects a deeper frustration within the Kenyan public regarding economic inequality and governance priorities. The SRC’s decision has brought to light the need for more responsive and empathetic leadership that aligns closely with the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

In times of economic instability, the government’s actions are scrutinized more intensely, and measures such as salary increases for state officers can significantly impact public trust and confidence. Moving forward, there may be a need for broader discussions on fiscal responsibility, equitable distribution of resources, and the prioritization of policies that directly benefit the majority of the population.

Conclusion:

The salary increments for state officers have sparked a heated debate in Kenya, highlighting the tension between governance and economic realities faced by ordinary citizens. As public outcry continues, it remains to be seen how the government and the SRC will respond to these concerns and whether any adjustments or reversals will be made in light of the widespread opposition.