The Deputy President made these remarks after confirming the disbursement of Ksh16 billion of the Inua Jamii funds. He acknowledged that the government is facing a financial crunch, which is causing delays in salary disbursements.
Gachagua dared the politicians to go as far as shutting down the counties if they believed it was necessary. He emphasized that the government does not have the funds to meet their demands, stating, “We do not have any money. They can put sufurias on their heads and throw other tantrums, but we do not have money to give them.”
Furthermore, Gachagua urged the politicians to be content with their current salaries and focus on serving the people, as they willingly contested for their positions with knowledge of the salary structure. He extended an invitation to them to work in his office if they wished but highlighted the financial constraints faced by the government.
“You cannot vie for a seat knowing the salary and then ask for a raise after you are elected. If you want to come work in my office, you are welcome but we do not have money,” he added.
The deputy president advised the politicians to manage their salaries wisely without expecting a raise from the government. He emphasized that the primary focus should be on providing for the needs of the elderly. The allocated funds are intended for development purposes, such as road construction and the distribution of fertilizers, which are currently under the government’s management.
In a separate development, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Chairperson, Lyn Cherop proposed an increase in the salaries of Members of the County Assembly (MCA) and county speakers on June 14, 2023.
According to the proposal, the County Assembly speakers’ salary would be increased to Sh 562,312 from Sh525,525 in this financial year, but the amount will rise to Sh601,674 in the 2024/25 financial year. On the other hand, the MCAs would see a Sh10,000 raise, bringing their salaries to Sh164,588 from Sh154,481.
In response to the proposals, the MCAs threatened to go on strike, arguing that the increase was insufficient. They gave the SRC a one-week ultimatum to revise the proposal and provide a higher raise. The Chair of the County Assemblies Forum and Elgeyo Marakwet MCA, Philemon Sabulei, stated that the county assemblies were not involved in the salary review and demanded that the SRC consider their welfare.
The ward representatives have also threatened to shoot down budgets in their respective devolved units if they do not get a salary increment. Philemon Sabulei, the Chair of the County Assemblies Forum and Elgeyo Marakwet MCA, said all 47 county assemblies will adjourn until SRC revises the pay increment.
“County Assemblies were not involved in the salary review. We consider this review null and void. SRC must consider the welfare of the county assemblies. County Assemblies will shut down if our demands are not met, including stopping the passage of budgets. We are giving them a week to respond. We have 23 so far who have shut down,” Sabulei said.
