MPs spoiling for a fight with Sarah’s SRC over pay cut

NAIROBI, KENYA: MPs are spoiling for a fight with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) over the recently gazetted salaries and allowances for state officers.

It appears this will be the first agenda for the 12th parliament immediately the MPs assume office despite President Uhuru Kenyatta lauding the commission's work to control the wage bill at 50 percent.

From all indicators, the MPs are planning to rekindle their salaries pay hike row with SRC as witnessed in 2013, only that this time, the issues will also include allowances, car grant and gratuity.

The irked MPs are set to unleash their wrath at the commission once they are done with the electorate in the August 8th polls and already they are flouting the idea of getting a government car (GK) domicile in the counties or constituencies.

But even within this disgruntled mix, are a section who are very pleased with the reviewed mileage compensation.

"The timing of the release and gazettement of the new salaries and allowances for state officers is suspect and unprocedural. This demonstrates the level of dictatorship by the commission over others like the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC)," protested National Assembly Deputy Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East).

He continued, "We respect our party leader (President Kenyatta) position on this matter however, what the SRC has done goes against the labour laws. Once a salary has been given to an individual, it cannot be reduced."