Amid public outrage and nationwide protests, Kenyan President William Ruto has directed his ministers and lawmakers to “live within their means,” ordering the National Treasury to review an annual pay increase for state employees that would have kicked in this July.
This directive was conveyed by Hussein Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kenya State House, on Wednesday, in response to criticisms following reports of the pay increase for ministers and lawmakers.
“The President has emphasised that now more than ever, the Executive and all arms of government must live within their means,” Mr Mohammed said, adding that Mr Ruto has instructed a review of salaries for his ministers and lawmakers.
It was reported that President Ruto’s ministers and Kenyan members of parliament received a pay rise effective July 1.
Local media noted that the pay rise for President Ruto’s cabinet members and lawmakers coincided with nationwide protests, resulting in over 39 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Previously, each cabinet secretary who earned Ksh. 957,000 now earns Ksh. 990,000 plus allowances, and each of the 51 principal secretaries who earned Ksh. 792,519 now earns Ksh. 819,844.
READ ALSO: Harvard Business School: Nigeria’s Negative Image on Display — Peter Obi Laments
The salaries of the speakers of the National Assembly and Senate increased from Ksh. 1,185,327 to Ksh. 1,208,362, while salaries of members of parliament increased from Ksh. 725,502 to Ksh. 739,600.
Although deliberations on salary increments for President Ruto’s cabinet members and lawmakers took place months ago, their implementation coincided with deadly protests against a tax hike.
However, President Ruto later announced the suspension of the pay rise for his ministers and lawmakers for the time being.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
