President Ruto orders a re-evaluation of salaries and compensation for state officers

08 07 2024 | 16:16 Victor Oluwole
  • President William Ruto directed the National Treasury to reassess the Gazette Notice on remuneration and benefits for State officers
  • The directive follows the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and the expected fiscal challenges for the current financial year
  • Public outrage arose due to the proposed salary increase for the Executive and Parliament

President William Ruto has directed the National Treasury to re-evaluate a Gazette Notice issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) concerning the compensation and benefits of State officers.

This move comes after the Finance Bill 2024 was withdrawn, indicating potential fiscal challenges for the current financial year.

The President emphasized the importance of financial prudence and the need for the government to operate within its means during these financially strained times.

The directive follows public outcry over the proposed salary increase for the Executive and Parliament.

Public Service CS Moses Kuria has also expressed concerns, officially declining the implementation of the Gazette Notice proposing increased remuneration and benefits for state officers.

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Similarly Public Service CS Moses Kuria has also written to the SRC regarding the proposed increase.

In the letter, CS Kuria officially declined the implementation of the Gazette Notice which proposed increased remuneration and benefits for state officers across both national and county governments.

Referencing the Third National Wage Bill Conference held in 2024, Kuria highlighted the unsustainability of a public wage bill that consumes 35% of national revenue annually, leaving only 54% for other critical areas such as servicing debt and development.

He reiterated that the trend of rising expenditures on salaries and benefits for public servants is putting a significant strain on national finances.

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