Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers(KUPPET) condemned the decision by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to increase state officers’ salaries.
In a statement on Friday, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori demanded that teachers’ salaries should be reviewed before increasing salaries to state officers.
“If any further proof was needed that the government is able to review teachers’ salaries, this SRC recommendation is sufficient,” Misori said.
He said SRC’s proposal of salary increment to state officers is ‘ironical’ since “they usually claim they cannot afford to pay teachers”.
“The commission’s recommendation is not merely tone-deaf. It confirms what KUPPET has said repeatedly – that SRC is a public relations tool by the country’s political and economic establishment to perpetuate the inequalities in our country by blocking the legitimate demands of low-income earners,” Misori said.
“This is the same commission that has blocked the review of teachers’ salaries for two years under the Third Public Sector Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle in 2021, alleging that the government cannot afford a pay rise for its workers.”
Mirosi added that the commission is taking advantage of low-income earners who are suffering from skyrocketed inflation and low salaries.
He said the union will meet in July to make a final demand for a teachers’ salary increment that was due in 2021 and has not been offered to date.
In the document seen by The Star, State officers in top government positions are set to get salary increments following a review proposal by SRC.
President William Ruto’s salary is set to increase from the current Sh1,443,750 to Sh1,546,875 if the proposal sails.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s salary will increase from the current Sh1,227,188 to Sh1,367,438.
Other State Officers such as the Attorney General, the head of the Public Service, Cabinet Secretaries and the Secretary to the Cabinet will receive a 7 per cent salary increment.
This will see them earn Sh990,000 up from the current Sh924,000.
