Azimio la Umoja Coalition Opposes Lawmakers’ Salary Increments, Advocates for Reallocation
The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has strongly opposed the recent salary increases for lawmakers, which took effect on July 1. Despite being announced by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the coalition has put forth an alternative proposal. Instead of accepting these additional funds, they advocate for reallocating the money to more critical sectors. This includes prioritizing the hiring of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, supporting healthcare workers, and assisting unemployed youth.
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi emphasized the importance of directing resources towards essential services rather than increasing salaries. The SRC’s third review of remuneration and benefits, gazetted on August 9, 2023, triggered a heated debate over these adjustments.
Under the review, several government officials were slated to receive salary hikes starting in July:
– The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretaries would see their salaries increase by Sh33,000, bringing their total to Sh990,000.
– Principal Secretaries, the Inspector General of Police, and the NIS Director General would receive a Sh27,325 raise, reaching Sh819,844.
– Speakers, their deputies, as well as Majority and Minority leaders, were also included in the increments.
Despite being gazetted a year ago, these adjustments have stirred controversy, with politicians across different factions urging the SRC to reconsider, citing Kenya’s fragile economic situation. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot called for exploring avenues to reduce public spending, even suggesting potential salary cuts.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna echoed these concerns, stressing that taxpayers should not bear unnecessary financial burdens. Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga went further, criticizing the salary increases and advocating for reductions instead.
The ongoing debate has sparked frustration among Kenyans, who are increasingly concerned about government expenditures and governance failures. Many question the lavish spending habits of the Executive and Legislature, especially as the majority of the population struggles with the high cost of living.
