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Do not politicise salary increments, MPs tell new SRC commissioners

Members of Parliament have called on the incoming members of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to prioritize fairness and avoid targeting them for approval of their decisions.

The legislators who spoke today during the consideration of the nominees called them to adopt a consultative approach in their work.

According to the Assembly Majority leader, the past Commission was populist as he encouraged the new commissioners not to fall into the trap of playing to the gallery.

The Kikuyu MP criticised the outgoing Lyn Mengich-led team saying that they published a gazette notice about salary increments during a politically charged period, which he described as a tactic to demonize legislators.

“These Members of Parliament work, both in the House and outside, and they deserve fair treatment. SRC must balance public interest while addressing the needs of public servants,” the majority leader stated.

Ichung’wah also called on the SRC to engage stakeholders before making decisions adding that failing to adequately compensate public servants could discourage talented individuals from joining or remaining in public service.

“By the time they make decisions, let those decisions be the result of a consultative process,” Ichungwa said.

On is part, minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiments, urging the SRC to take a holistic view of the public wage bill instead of focusing solely on politicians.

“There’s a misconception that this commission was created to fight politicians. Somebody has misguided them,” Junet said.

The Suna East MP challenged the SRC to be transparent about salary adjustments early in the electoral cycle to allow potential candidates to make informed decisions.

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“If they want to adjust MPs’ salaries, let them do it now, not in 2027 when Parliament is closing. That way, those planning to run can decide whether they want the job or not,” he added.

The leaders supported the approval of the nominees, emphasizing the importance of the SRC in addressing wage disparities across public service.

Sammy Chepkwony is now the chairperson of the SRC, which plays a crucial role in Kenya’s governance structure, with commissioners serving a six-year, non-renewable term.

Their mandate is to ensure that public sector salaries are set in a way that balances the need for fair compensation with the country’s fiscal health.

Other members include Jane Gatakaa Njage, Leonid Ashindu, Gildea Odera, and Geoffrey Apollo Omondi.

 

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