Kenyan MPs’ Pay Rises Delayed as President Ruto Orders Review President William Ruto has instructed the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to review the proposed salary increments for Members of Parliament (MPs). This move comes as the country faces economic challenges and soaring inflation. According to a statement released by State House, the President has directed the SRC to “undertake a comprehensive review of the proposed remuneration and benefits for MPs.” He emphasized the need to ensure that any adjustments are aligned with the government’s fiscal constraints and the public’s expectations. The SRC had earlier proposed a 135% pay rise for MPs, increasing their monthly salary from 621,250 Kenyan shillings (approximately $5,300) to 1,454,950 shillings ($12,500). The proposal sparked public outcry and criticism from Ruto himself, who called it “insensitive and untimely.” The President’s order for a review is expected to delay the implementation of the salary increments. The SRC will have to conduct a thorough assessment of the MPs’ current remuneration, taking into account factors such as the cost of living, economic growth, and the public’s perception of their performance. Meanwhile, MPs have expressed disappointment over the delay. The National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wa, said that the SRC’s proposal was “reasonable” and that the delay was “unacceptable.” However, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defended the President’s decision, stating that “the government must prioritize the welfare of Kenyans first” and that any pay adjustments for MPs should be “within reason.” The delay in pay rises for Kenyan MPs is a sign of the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources. It also reflects the public’s growing impatience with extravagant perks and salaries for elected officials, especially during times of economic hardship.Kenyan members of parliament (MPs) will have to wait longer for their pay increases after President William Ruto ordered a review of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) recommendations. SRC had recommended a 16% pay rise for MPs, from the current Ksh. 851,816 ($7,220) to Ksh. 988,300 ($8,330) per month. However, Ruto said he wants the commission to reconsider the proposals, arguing that they are not in line with the economic realities of the country. “I have directed SRC to review the recommendations and ensure they are in line with the current economic situation,” Ruto said in a statement. “We cannot afford to burden taxpayers with increased salaries for MPs at this time.” The president’s directive has been met with mixed reactions from MPs. Some have welcomed the move, saying that it is prudent for the government to exercise fiscal responsibility. Others have criticized the decision, arguing that MPs deserve a pay increase given the rising cost of living. “The president’s decision is unfair and ill-timed,” said John Mbadi, the ODM party leader in parliament. “MPs have been working hard and they deserve to be compensated fairly.” The delay in the pay increase is likely to further strain relations between the executive and the legislature. MPs have been pushing for pay increases for several years, and Ruto’s decision to order a review is seen as a setback for their efforts. It is unclear when SRC will complete its review of the recommendations. However, the commission is expected to submit its revised proposals to the president within the next few months.