Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declined the pay rise proposed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, Sifuna addressed the proposed salary increment for legislators, cabinet secretaries, and state officials, making it clear that he does not want the pay hike.

Rejecting Unnecessary Increases

Sifuna explained that the SRC is proposing to add Ksh14,000 to his salary, which he says he did not ask for and does not need. “MPs’ pay rise amid chaos” is a bit of outrage hunting. Let’s be clear what we are talking about here. The SRC is proposing to add 14k to my salary. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t need it. It’s still money,” he stated.

Prioritizing Taxpayer Burden

Explaining his reasons for turning down SRC’s offer, Sifuna stated that he will not fight for the pay rise while the entire country is calling for a reduction in taxpayers’ burden. He highlighted that he pays an income tax of Ksh300,000 every month. “In a country where many have no income, but for perspective, I pay close to 300k in income tax every month. I will not fight for 14k extra when the whole country is saying we need to lessen the taxpayer burden,” he explained.

Details of SRC’s Pay Hike

SRC announced salary increments for state officers, members of parliament, and cabinet secretaries effective July 1, 2024. The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s salary increased to Ksh990,000 per month, while the National Assembly Speaker’s salary increased to Ksh1.2 million per month. MPs and senators’ pay increased to Ksh739,600. Additionally, a governor’s pay has been adjusted to Ksh990,000, and MCAs will take home Ksh164,588.