Senator Sifuna Rejects SRC Pay Hike Amidst National Outrage,Find Out Why!

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed his position on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission's plan to increase pay for state officers in the Senate and National Assembly for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said he did not ask for a pay raise and would not fight for it. Photo: Edwin Sifuna. Source: Twitter

What did Sifuna say regarding the pay increase?

The senator clarified on his Twitter account that the SRC is proposing to add KSh 14,000 to his monthly salary.

He affirmed that he is not willing to fight for extra money when the entire country is calling for a reduction in the taxpayer burden.

"Let’s be clear, what we are talking about here. The SRC is proposing to add 14k on my salary,"he said.

He stated that he didn't request a salary increase and doesn't need it, emphasizing that it's still money in a country where many people have no income.

"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 taxpayer burden. I don’t want this 14k. Ikae."

How did netizens react to Sifuna statement?

The Nairobi senator's remarks sparked mixed reactions from netizens with most of them agreeing with him that it was the wrong time to increase salaries.

Samwel Wekesa:

"Present a bill to cut your salaries and remove allowances, and you’ll earn the trust of Kenyans."

Kijana ya baba:

"Pay rise for President, MPs and state officers yet, we have no money to hire JSS Teachers."

Empire Mike:

"What happened yesterday was very wrong, and the government must take full responsibility!"

Vincent teti:

"Your stance is appreciated Senator."

Captain Kipkorir:

"What did you do to stop this?"

Raymond Matata:

"Why not propose that your salary be reduced."

SRC set to raise salaries for govt officials

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that even as Kenyans push President William Ruto's government to implement budget cuts and other austerity measures, Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to receive a pay rise effective July 1.

In a gazette notice, Moses Wetangula, the speaker of the National Assembly, and Amason Kingi, the speaker of the Senate, will begin receiving a gross salary of KSh 1,208,362 this month, up from KSh 1,185,327.

The pay increase will also benefit Gladys Boss Shollei, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly, and Kathuri Murungi, the deputy speaker of the Senate.

The duo will receive a gross salary of KSh 966,690, up from KSh 948,261.