13th Parliament’s Tone-Deaf Pay Hike: A Second Insult to Kenyans in Just Two Weeks

As Kenyans take to the streets in the #OccupyEverywhere protests, driven by suffocating economic hardships and misgovernance, the 13th Parliament has brazenly chosen to reward itself with a pay rise.

This staggering insensitivity comes hot on the heels of their controversial approval of President William Ruto’s Finance Bill 2024, on which he spent an eye-watering KSh 480 million as bribes. This move not only underlines their utter disregard for the plight of ordinary citizens but also reveals the sheer audacity and self-interest driving the political elite in Kenya today.

The Outrageous Pay Hike

According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) gazette notice No. 10346 dated August 9, 2023, the pay rise will affect top state officers, including Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament, Governors, and Members of County Assemblies. The President and his Deputy are the only exceptions, maintaining their hefty salaries of KSh 1,443,750 and KSh 1,227,188, respectively.

Despite a backdrop of public outcry and mass protests, the salaries of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the 22 Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney-General, the Head of Public Service, and the Secretary to the Cabinet will rise to KSh 990,000 from KSh 957,000. MPs and Senators will see their salaries increased from KSh 725,502 to KSh 739,600 monthly. Governors will now earn KSh 990,000, up from KSh 957,000, while MCAs will have their pay adjusted from KSh 154,481 to KSh 164,588. All this as Kenya burns.

A Betrayal of Trust

This tone-deaf manoeuvre is a slap in the face to Kenyans who are grappling with high taxes, soaring unemployment rates, and the high cost of living. It reveals a Parliament more interested in lining its pockets than addressing the severe economic challenges facing the nation. The pay rise is a direct affront to the sacrifices and struggles of ordinary Kenyans who are enduring the brunt of William Ruto's economic mismanagement.

President Ruto’s recent call for austerity measures, including budget cuts on non-essential expenditures such as his wife's unconstitutional office, and travel and hospitality, rings hollow in light of this latest development. How can a government that preaches austerity justify such opulent salary increases for its top officials?

The Shadow of Corruption

The pay hike is not just insensitive; it is a stark reminder of the entrenched corruption and impunity within the Kenyan political system. This decision comes on the heels of revelations that MPs were paid KSh 2 million each to pass the contentious Finance Bill 2024, a move that has only deepened public disgust and mistrust in Ruto's government.

The Finance Bill 2024 itself has been widely criticised for imposing punitive taxes that disproportionately affect the poorest Kenyans. The approval of this bill, universally condemned to a point of William Ruto being forced by public pressure to withdraw it, coupled with the subsequent salary increases for the very lawmakers who endorsed it, underscores the moral bankruptcy of the Ruto administration.

The Need for Accountability

Kenyans are rightfully demanding accountability and transparency. There is a growing call for a comprehensive audit of the national debt to ascertain the true extent of the country’s labyrinthine financial obligations and to uncover any misuse of funds. The recent protests, spearheaded by the younger generation, reflect a deep-seated frustration with a government that appears more interested in self-enrichment than public service.

The establishment of a National Transitional Authority (NTA), as proposed in public discussions, could serve as a crucial step towards restoring faith in the governance system. Comprising professionals of integrity, the NTA would investigate questionable land allocations, corruption scandals, and political assassinations from 1963 to the present. It would also oversee the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and ensure credible elections using Blockchain technology.

A Call to Action

The path forward is clear: Kenyans must continue to demand justice, accountability, and transparency. The fight against corruption and impunity must be relentless. As the protests gain momentum, it is crucial for all citizens to unite in their call for a government that truly serves the people, not one that exploits them.

The audacious pay rise for top state officials is a glaring symbol of the disconnect between the Kenyan political elite and the citizenry. It is a call to action for every Kenyan to stand up and demand the change they deserve. The future of the nation depends on the ability of its people to hold their leaders accountable and to build a government that is responsive, transparent, and just. In the words of one protester, "Our safety is in our numbers. Our cause is just." Let these words galvanise a nation towards true reform and justice.