The president's directive on pay cuts for public servants
comes not only as a shock to government employees but also Kenyan citizens. The
wage bill proposal to allow for salary cuts is currently fully supported by ODM
as allowing for a more streamlined government, the NCCK and under review by the
Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The nation however appears divide on the matter with some in
favour and other completely disregarding the move. The major concern being the
growing cost of living. Most citizens interviewed by media houses point out
that the pay cuts do little to improve their living conditions. Currently basic
commodities are slowly becoming a luxury with a loaf of bread going at sh.52; a
liter of milk selling at sh.45 and rice at a whopping sh.165 a kilo.
Many feel that the reconstructing the current salaries of
state officers only exist to favour other sectors of the government and do
little to help the common mwananchi lead a better life.
Financial analysts project that the reduced wages will save
the tax payer 50 million from the executive government, an annual 2 M from
Honorable Uhuru Kenyatta and 14 M from sitting allowances as just a few
examples of the areas being targeted for reduction.
The move is said to benefit the energy, education and health
sectors in their goal to make essential services affordable to all Kenyans.
This in the hope to curtail the extravagance of the government with regards to
travel, unnecessary institutions and redundant government
employees especially commissioners.
The spotlight shone highly on nominated members of
parliament with most coming out to say that they should not be discredited as
being irrelevant as the docket exists to allow for fair leadership and
incorporate individuals who would otherwise not be nominated, that is, the
disabled, minority groups, women and so forth.
The wage bill sparks controversy as most Kenyans feel the
benefits will not trickle down to the county level and the effects are not
immediate thus a long term plan. Also Kenyans criticized as failing to address
their needs and be all about the government as even with pay cuts most
government officials will still get allowances on housing, travel and other
perks that come with their positions.
The Kenyan voice sends a clear message that more needs to be
done so that the focus is not only on salaries but on allowances too.
The
outcry is for the bill to help reduce the price of basic commodities and
essential services. To simply help every Kenyan put food on the table
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