MPs in Kenya want a pay rise from Ksh. 725,502 to Ksh. 739,600 per month. This comes as many Kenyans struggle with the high cost of living.
On Thursday, during Parliament proceedings, MPs approved the new Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) commissioners. They urged the team to perform their duties fairly.
The new commissioners include Sammy Chepkwony (chairperson), Dr. Gilda Odeya, Jane Njage, Leonid Ashindu, Geoffrey Omondi, Martin Kizito, and Mohamed Abdi.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah criticized the outgoing commissioners. He accused them of freezing MPs’ pay rises during protests by Gen Z, even though, pay increases are part of the constitution.
He warned the new team against making similar choices, saying, “MPs, like other Kenyans, deserve a pay rise.”
Similarly, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed agreed, saying lawmakers were treated unfairly by the previous team. He added,
“SRC assumes we just enjoy perks like security and air-conditioned offices. They need to address wage inequalities in public service.”
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed called for an even higher pay increase. She said, “Our salaries go to the communities we serve. We had to reject a Ksh. 7,000 increase due to public outrage, but we needed more. Times are tough.”
Kenyans take
However, many Kenyans are angry about the MPs’ demands. Critics pointed out that MPs already earn millions, while ordinary citizens struggle.
One commenter asked, “How can they demand more when many civil servants earn less than Ksh. 35,000 a month?”
Others expressed frustration, saying that leaders seem detached from the reality of everyday Kenyans, who are burdened by high taxes, rising costs, and stagnant wages.
Additionally, Many believe the government should prioritize reducing inequalities and improving living conditions for all citizens instead of focusing on personal benefits for MPs.
Kenyan MPs are among the highest-paid lawmakers globally. A 2020 report ranked them second in the world, surpassing MPs in the U.S., Japan, and Britain.
This disparity between their earnings and the struggles of ordinary citizens has deepened the public’s discontent, fueling calls for accountability and fairness in addressing the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
Follow https://kenyaonline.xyz for more
