The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has recently unveiled its proposal to raise the salaries of State officers, a move that is generating heated debate and public outcry.

The plan encompasses significant pay hikes for the President, Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, and Members of Parliament, with an average increase of 14 per cent.

If approved, the salary of the President would be elevated from the current amount of Sh1,433,750 to Sh1,650,000, while the Deputy President's salary would rise from Sh1,227,188 to Sh1,402,500.

The SRC's circular, released on Thursday, outlines the intention to implement the proposed salary increments over the course of the next two financial years, commencing next month.

Additionally, the remuneration for other high-ranking officials, such as Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney General, the Head of Public Service, and the Secretary to the Cabinet, would surge from the existing Sh924,000 to Sh1,056,000.

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The Salaries and Remuneration Commission justified the proposed increases by citing their constitutional mandate as outlined in Article 230(4)(a).

The Commission has established a four-year review cycle for remuneration and benefits within the public service.

The first two cycles covered the periods 2013/2014 – 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 – 2020/2021, respectively. The ongoing third cycle encompasses the financial years 2021/2022 – 2024/2025.

State officers across various positions are poised to benefit from the proposed pay rise, including Principal Secretaries, Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, leaders of Majority and Minority, the Chief Justice, Judges, Magistrates, Governors, as well as Chairpersons of Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices.

Before the changes are officially implemented, the draft proposal will undergo a crucial stage of public participation.

This process aims to solicit feedback and ensure that the salary adjustments are in line with the expectations and sentiments of the public. Only after this stage is completed will the finalized changes be officially gazetted.

The proposal put forth by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission is expected to fuel intense debate and scrutiny from citizens, as the issue of remuneration for public officials remains a highly contentious topic.

As the nation awaits the outcome of the public participation process, the public's verdict on this proposed salary increase for State officers will shape the future of their remuneration.