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The rise comes at a time when Kenyans are protesting over high taxes.
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In a post on Facebook, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said MPs and other state officers should not be added even a coin.
Image: FILE
A section of Members of Parliament and Senators have joined hands to oppose the salary hikes by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
A Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from SRC, noted that state officers were scheduled to get salary and benefit increments starting July 1.
Both the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate are set to receive Sh1,208,362 from Sh1,185,327, Sh40 million mortgage, Sh25,000 airtime and official residence.
The Majority and Minority leaders are set to walk home with Sh800,019 from the previous Sh784,768.
Additionally, Members of Parliament and Senate will receive a pay rise from the initial Sh725,502 to 739,600.
The rise comes at a time when Kenyans are protesting over high taxes.
In a post on Facebook, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said MPs and other state officers should not be added even a coin.
"It's sad to increase salary while Kenyans have no jobs, Kenyans have no capital to start businesses, no money to pay fees and no money for medication," the MP said.
"Say No to salary increment."
Langa'ata MP Phelix Odiwour also said he didn't want the pay rise.
In a post on X, the MP said some things almost look like a setup.
"We are in a crisis and SRC is proposing an increment of 14K! Yaani mnataka tupigwe tukufe ndio mfurahi? Mimi sitaki," he said.
Aldai MP Marianne Kitany also maintained that given the current state of affairs in the country and with the ongoing demonstrations and economic instability, it was not the right time to prioritize any salary hikes for public officials.
"I have today learnt through print media that the Salaries and Remuneration Commissions is proposing a salary increment for Members of Parliament and other elected leaders to the tune of Sh14,000 increments," she said.
"If anything we should be having a discussion on salary reduction but not hikes. We must focus on reducing unnecessary expenditures and concentrating on strategies to restore peace and strengthen our economy. It is also imperative to address the pressing issues at hand before considering such increments."
The MP stated that as a conscientious Kenyan and an elected Member of Parliament, she opposes the proposed salary increase.
"Our immediate concern should be the welfare of the nation and its citizens, ensuring stability and sustainable progress. Let us collectively address the existing challenges before diverting attention and resources elsewhere," she said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also rejected the proposed salary increase that will see his pay rise by Sh14,000.
Sifuna said he does not need a pay rise.
"Let’s be clear what we are talking about here. The SRC is proposing to add 14k to my salary. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t need it. It’s still money, in a country where many have no income, but for perspective, I pay close to 300k in income tax every month," Sifuna said.
"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."
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, on the other hand, termed the salary increment a scandalous affair.
Senator Aaron Cheruiyot called on Members of Parliament to reject the proposed salary increase, citing the current financial challenges.
"If it means taking a pay cut, we as Members of Parliament have been told that we will never do it. We don’t have an option, we must do it," Cheruiyot said.
Nairobi Women representative Esther Passaris also took to social media to reject the proposed pay rise
"This is akin to robbing a naked person! I reject any salary increments. It's the exact opposite of what we're calling for; austerity. It's fiscally unsustainable and our current economic situation can't absorb it. Let's work towards living within our means," she said.