Uhuru rules out MPs’ pay rise

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged MPs to shelve their demands for a pay rise until the economy attains double digit growth.

Saying he had faith in the MPs elected on March 4, he asked them to show similar confidence in the country’s potential and allow the economy to grow.

President Kenyatta assured the MPs that once the economy attains double digit growth, their demands would be met.

“I want them to believe in their greatness and when our economy hits double digit growth, once our people have jobs, once our country grows, we shall be able to pay them at that time 10 per cent more, but not now,” said Mr Kenyatta.

The President said the MPs should focus on fulfilling the promises they made while campaigning.

“Let us first fulfil those promises; once our education sector and health centres are running smoothly, our young people have jobs and the economy is growing, we will have no problem paying whatever you want,” said the President.

Mr Kenyatta said his stance was the same as that of many Kenyans and urged the MPs to listen to their constituents.

The President was speaking during the Nyeri Golf Club Chairman’s Prize tournament. He called on sports managers to ensure the country’s reputation in athletics is replicated in other sports.

In particular, the President said there was an urgent need to improve management of football, the most popular sport.

“We must improve the standards of soccer so that our teams can excel in the region, on the continent and beyond,” said Mr Kenyatta.

He pledged his government’s commitment to raising the standards of other sports, including reclaiming Kenya’s glory in boxing.

“We should also provide additional support to our national rugby team that is making good gains internationally,” added Mr Kenyatta.

Public golf course

Reiterating his pre-election campaign pledge of developing five modern stadia at selected regional headquarters in the country, the President said the government was also exploring other ways and means of improving sports infrastructure in the country.

He said the government had realised that sports excellence cannot be achieved without proper infrastructure and equipment.

In this regard, he said a public golf course had been identified at which residents who cannot afford membership fees at golf clubs can play.

“I am aware that plans and arrangements for the development of the facility have been ongoing,” said Mr Kenyatta.

He said the government will put in place the necessary measures to ensure the public golf course is a reality.