Serem slashes top gov’t officials salaries

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Chairperson, Sarah Serem, on Monday morning announced the slashing of the gross monthly pay of top government officials in a bid to reduce the public service wage bill by Ksh8.8 billion annually.

The President’s monthly gross will be Ksh1.4 million from Ksh1.6m; the Deputy President’s salary will be Ksh1.2 million from Ksh1.4 million; the salary for Cabinet Secretaries will be Ksh924, 000 from Ksh1 million; the salary of Speakers of both Houses has been reduced to Ksh1, 155,000 from Ksh1.3 million; Principal Secretaries’ pay has been slashed from Ksh874, 500 to Ksh765, 188; and the salaries for governors will be Ksh924, 000 from Ksh1, 056, 000.

In the reviewed pay structure set to be effected after the General Election, Deputy Governors will take home KSh621, 250 from Ksh701, 440 monthly while Members of County Assembly will earn Ksh141, 165 from Ksh165, 000.

The Leaders of Majority and Minority of both Houses (National Assembly and Senate) will earn a monthly gross salary of Ksh765, 188 from Ksh1, 020, 000.

MP’s and Senators’ salaries have also been slashed from Ksh710, 000 to Ksh621, 250.

In addition, SRC also abolished MPs’ sitting allowances and reimbursable mileage allowances.

The SRC says it conducted a survey on countries with a gross domestic product (GDP) similar to Kenya’s, which informed their decision on the new salary structure.

“The Commission felt it vital to examine whether remuneration is in line with transparency and accountability; and in line with remuneration practices globally. A key factor is affordability,” said Sarah Serem.

The new salary structure will be implemented when the 12th Parliament is sworn into office.