We will be bound by the constitutional principles- SRC remains adamant on top officials Pay rise.
The Salaries and remuneration commission has put a foot down, saying that there will be a salary increment for State officers for the Financial Year 2023/2025.
SRC insisted that they have to abide by the constitution, which dictates that top government officials must get the rise; they highlighted that they are paying for the position not the individual.
SRC chair Mengich stated,”We will be bound by the constitutional principles based on the five pillars guiding remunerations. We set to pay for a job, not an individual. An individual can decline but not the role. We set to pay for the roles. As an individual, that’s a personal prerogative.”
The chairperson outlined that the president can seek information from SRC on wage bill report but he has no mandate to instruct the commission on how they will do their job.
Mengich stated,”President has a role in public participation. We engaged the presidency. He gave his feedback and asked for some information. Anytime the President might require a report from the SRC, in this case the compression ratio, it is within the context. It is his right to participate in the public engagements and ask for information. We will share information following his concerns.”
The commission further denied allegations that they are cushioning top officials against the distressful economic times.
SRC chair stated,”It is not a reaction to the economic state but a requirement by the Constitution. It is not fair for public officers who froze salary increases for 2 years. It is in the SRC Act. There was a two-year freeze due to COVID economic challenges.”
“We do not have harmonized salary structures based on the cash deficit. We need to focus on productivity. There are CEOs who earn Ksh.5 million while the President is at Ksh.1.6 million…look at the contest …pay in public service doesn’t look at taking pay higher,”Mengich added.
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