Top government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament, are set to receive a salary increase starting this month.
According to a Gazette notice published by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in August 2023, these increments took effect on July 1, 2024.
Executive Branch
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, and the Attorney General are among the primary beneficiaries, with a salary raise of Ksh33,000. Their new salary is Ksh990,000, up from Ksh957,000.
This increment also applies to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and the Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau. Principal Secretaries, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji will now earn Ksh819,844, increased from Ksh792,519 (a rise of Ksh27,325).
The Deputy Inspector General (IG) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin will see their salaries increase to Ksh684,233 from Ksh652,742.
Notably, President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will retain their current salaries, with Ruto earning Ksh1,443,750 and Gachagua Ksh1,227,188.
Parliament
In Parliament, both Speakers will have their salaries increased from Ksh1,185,327 to Ksh1,208,362. Their deputies will receive a raise from Ksh948,261 to Ksh966,690.
Leaders of the Majority and Minority in both houses, including Kimani Ichung’wah, Opiyo Wandayi, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, and Stewart Madzayo, will benefit from an increment of Ksh15,251, bringing their new salary to Ksh800,019 from Ksh784,768.
MPs and Senators will see their salaries rise to Ksh739,600 from the previous Ksh725,502.
Counties
County governments will also experience salary increases. Governors will earn Ksh990,000, up from Ksh957,000. Deputy Governors’ salaries will increase from Ksh652,742 to Ksh684,233. Members of the Executive Committee (county ministers) will now earn Ksh422,526, up from Ksh413,079.
Public Reaction
Despite being Gazetted in 2023, these salary increments are expected to stir public debate, especially amid concerns over government spending. Some leaders have already announced their intention to reject the raises.
Siaya Governor James Orengo stated, “The salary increases for state officers, including governors, are absolutely unwarranted at this time.”
Senator Edwin Sifuna added, “I didn’t ask for it. I don’t need it. It’s still money, in a country where many have no income, but for perspective, I pay close to Ksh300,000 in income tax every month. I will not fight for Ksh14,000 extra when the whole country is saying we need to lessen the taxpayer burden.”
Kirinyaga Governor and Chairperson of the Council of Governors Anne Waiguru also expressed concerns at a retreat in Naivasha, emphasizing the need to consider the broader economic context.
