Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered his ministers and lawmakers to “live within their means” after ordering them to withdraw their recent salary increases amid public outrage and nationwide protests.
Kenya State House Spokesperson Hussain Mohammed made the disclosure on Wednesday, July amid criticism following reports of salary hikes for ministers and lawmakers.
“The President has stressed that now more than ever, the executive and all arms of government must live within their means,” Mr Mohammed said. He added that Mr Ruto has directed a review of the salaries of his ministers and legislators.
On Tuesday, July 2, it was reported that Mr. Ruto's salary hikes for ministers and Kenyan MPs took effect on July 1.
According to local media, the salary hikes for Mr Ruto's cabinet members and lawmakers coincided with nationwide protests that have left more than 39 people dead and hundreds injured.
Earlier, every Cabinet Secretary who earned Ksh. 957,000 will now earn Ksh. 990,000 plus allowances, and each of the 51 Principal Secretaries receiving Ksh. 792,519 will now earn Ksh. 819,844.
An increase in the salaries of Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate from Ksh. 1,185,327 to Ksh. 1,208,362, while MPs' salaries increased from Ksh. 725,502 to Ksh. 739,600.
Although the salary hikes for Mr Ruto's cabinet members and lawmakers were mooted months ago, their implementation was met with deadly protests against the tax hike.
However, Mr Ruto has now been forced to announce a temporary suspension of salary increases for his ministers and lawmakers.