The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is now proposing to increase the salaries of State officers including the President, Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament by an average of 14 percent, even as majority of Kenyans grapple with the high cost of living.
In a move likely to trigger public uproar SRC is seeking to have the President’s salary increased from the current Ksh.1,433,750 to Ksh.1,650,000 and that of the deputy president from Ksh.1,227,188 to Ksh.1,402,500.
According to a circular released by SRC on Thursday, the proposed salary increment is expected to be implemented over the next two financial years, 2023/2024 – 2024/2025, starting from next month.
If approved, the remuneration for Cabinet Secretaries, Attorney General, Head of Public Service, and Secretary to the Cabinet will increase from the current Ksh.924,000 to Ksh.1,056,000.
In the circular, the commission notes that the proposed pay rise aligns with its mandate as set out under Article 230(4)(a) of the Constitution.
The Commission set a four-year review cycle for remuneration and benefits in the public service. The first cycle covered the period 2013/2014 – 2016/2017, while the second covered 2017/2018 – 2020/2021. The third remuneration review cycle covers the financial years (FY) 2021/2022 – 2024/2025.
Other State officers poised to benefit from the pay rise include Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, leaders of Majority and Minority, Chief Justice, Judges, Magistrates, Governors as well as Chairpersons of Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices.
The draft changes will be subjected to public participation before they are officially gazetted to bring them to effect.
