Teachers hit as SRC freezes salary reviews
Teachers hit as SRC freezes salary reviews
The economic fallout from the rejection of the ill-fated Finance Bill 2024 continues to reverberate with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) announcing a freeze on salary reviews for all public officers in the current fiscal year.
"The SRC has deferred the implementation of salary reviews for all other public officers for the financial year 2024/2025 until further notice, citing budgetary limitations," a statement from SRC reads in part.
Amidst financial challenges, SRC noted that there are ongoing talks with the National Treasury to ensure fiscal sustainability regarding public compensation.
"Annual adjustments in salary structures, as advised by SRC, will continue within allocated budgets," SRC directed.
The decision to freeze salary increases is set to impact recent Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed with teachers and healthcare workers, prompting SRC to advise affected institutions to engage respective trade unions.
"For public officers awaiting a salary review, we will monitor the situation and advise on any future reviews based on funding availability," SRC conveyed.
Read also: Kenya’s path to fiscal health post finance bill veto
The freeze on salary reviews for public officers follows a similar action affecting all State officers, a move that was occasioned by public fury over proposed increase of the salaries of the President, Cabinet Secretaries and MPs.
Meanwhile, the ongoing protests in Kenya have inflicted a substantial financial toll, with business losses estimated at Kes6 billion.
"According to the Kenya Revenue Authority, the country has lost Kes6 billion because of the demos. If we continue like this, we are going to destroy people's businesses and there will be no employment for our people,” said Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.
Over the past month, Kenya has witnessed widespread protests that began with objections to the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill. Subsequently, attention has broadened to include demands for the removal of President William Ruto with rising deaths due to police brutality. Corruption, as well as dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises has worked to anger Kenyans, pushing then to ask the President to exit the stage.
