NAIROBI, Kenya – Amid rising economic challenges that have left many Kenyans struggling with the high cost of living, Members of Parliament are now pushing for an increase in their monthly salaries from Ksh.725,502 to Ksh.739,600.
This proposal has drawn widespread criticism from the public, who perceive it as a self-serving move.
During Thursday’s parliamentary session, MPs approved the appointment of new Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) commissioners.
The new team includes Sammy Chepkwony as the chairperson, alongside Dr. Gilda Odeya, Jane Njage, Leonid Ashindu, Geoffrey Omondi, Martin Kizito, and Mohamed Abdi.
MPs urged the new commissioners to approach their roles with objectivity.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah criticized the outgoing SRC commissioners for freezing MPs’ pay rises, attributing it to the pressure from Gen Z protests.
He emphasized that the pay increase was constitutional and warned the new commissioners against making politically motivated decisions.
“They wanted to play populist politics and pit MPs against the public during the Gen Z protests. MPs, like other Kenyans, deserve a pay rise,” Ichung’wah remarked.
‘We deserve it’: MPs push for pay rise citizen.digital/news/we-deserv…
Supporting Ichung’wah’s stance, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed argued that MPs had been unfairly targeted by the previous SRC team, who treated lawmakers as mere beneficiaries of luxurious privileges without acknowledging their contributions.
“SRC thinks we are a bunch of jokers. They assume we are just enjoying security, air-conditioned offices, and a good time. I challenge them to address wage bill disparities in the public service,” Junet stated.
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed also voiced her desire for a higher salary increase, arguing that MPs’ earnings often go back to the communities they serve.
She claimed the rejection of the Ksh.7,000 increment was done under duress, citing the tough economic times.
“We were forced to denounce the Ksh.7,000 salary increment while we wanted more. The salaries we earn go to the communities we serve. We were forced to reject the increment to save our lives. You know times are hard,” she noted.
However, the MPs’ push for a pay rise has sparked outrage among Kenyans, who see it as a blatant disregard for the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
Many critics pointed to the global ranking of 2020, which placed Kenyan MPs as the second-highest-paid lawmakers in the world, surpassing those in wealthier countries such as the United States, Japan, and Britain.
The study, conducted by the UK’s Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighted the stark contrast between MPs’ earnings and the economic realities faced by their constituents.
This move by MPs has left many Kenyans disillusioned, viewing it as yet another example of their leaders prioritizing personal gain over public service.
