President William Ruto has directed the National Treasury to re-evaluate a Gazette Notice issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) concerning the compensation and benefits of State officers.
This move comes after the Finance Bill 2024 was withdrawn, indicating potential fiscal challenges for the current financial year.
The President emphasized the importance of financial prudence and the need for the government to operate within its means during these financially strained times.
The directive follows public outcry over the proposed salary increase for the Executive and Parliament.
Similarly Public Service CS Moses Kuria has also written to the SRC regarding the proposed increase.
In the letter, CS Kuria officially declined the implementation of the Gazette Notice which proposed increased remuneration and benefits for state officers across both national and county governments.
Referencing the Third National Wage Bill Conference held in 2024, Kuria highlighted the unsustainability of a public wage bill that consumes 35% of national revenue annually, leaving only 54% for other critical areas such as servicing debt and development.
He reiterated that the trend of rising expenditures on salaries and benefits for public servants is putting a significant strain on national finances.
