President William Ruto has taken a stand against the proposed salary review for senior state officials, including himself and other members of the government. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had recommended a review of salaries for various high-ranking positions, including the president, deputy president, cabinet members, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
However, President Ruto has decided to postpone the salary review for state officials, citing the current economic situation. Instead, he announced that the salaries of teachers, police officers, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) personnel, and other civil servants would be adjusted upwards by 7-10% starting from July 1.
During the launch of eCitizen services at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) on Friday, President Ruto addressed the proposal by the SRC, expressing his concerns about the economic times and the need to prioritize the adjustment of salaries for civil servants.
"I know there is a proposal by SRC for the increase of salaries of different cadres of both civil servants and other public servants. Because of the economic times we live in, we have approved that salaries of other civil servants can be adjusted beginning tomorrow," President Ruto stated.
The rejected proposal would have seen Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's salary increase from the current amount of Sh1,227,188 to Sh1,367,438. Similarly, state officers such as the Attorney General, the head of the Public Service, Cabinet Secretaries, and the Secretary to the Cabinet were set to receive a 7% salary increment, with their earnings rising from Sh924,000 to Sh990,000. Principal Secretaries, the Inspector-General, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service were also expected to receive an increment of Sh54,656 on top of their current salaries.
In contrast, the approved pay rise will primarily benefit teachers, police officers, and other civil servants, with a 7-10% increase in their salaries. Specific details regarding the implementation of the pay rise will be provided in due course.
The proposed salary increment for state officials was initially planned to be implemented in two phases, with a cumulative increase of 14% over a two-year period. However, President Ruto's rejection of the proposal has resulted in a halt to the review for state officials, while prioritizing the salary adjustment for civil servants who play a crucial role in the country's daily operations.