Source: BBC
Jul 3, 2024 Story by: Editor
Kenya’s President William Ruto has called for a reassessment of plans to increase the salaries of cabinet members and parliamentarians following widespread public backlash.
This move comes in the wake of massive protests that led Ruto to abandon a controversial finance bill, which included several tax hikes. The public has been vocal in questioning how salary hikes for politicians, including governors, could be justified amid claims of a financial crisis.
The proposed salary increase, ranging from 2% to 5% for all state officials, including judges, was recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Last year, the SRC issued a notice proposing that these increases take effect from the start of this month, according to a report by the BBC.
However, Public Service Minister Moses Kuria announced that he would not implement the increases “as applies” to the cabinet.
This controversy arises in a context where economic struggles and governance issues remain critical concerns for Kenyans. The recent protests reflect the public’s frustration with the perceived disconnect between the government’s financial decisions and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. Critics argue that the proposed pay hikes are tone-deaf, especially given the country’s economic challenges.
President Ruto’s decision to review the salary increases is seen as a response to the growing discontent and an attempt to align government actions with public sentiment. The SRC’s recommendations, while based on routine adjustments, have sparked a broader debate on fiscal responsibility and the priorities of the Kenyan government.
This issue highlights the ongoing tension between governance and public expectations in Kenya, where economic reforms and political accountability are closely watched by citizens. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for how future salary adjustments for state officials are handled amidst economic scrutiny. Source: New Telegram
