SRC to appeal ruling on MCAs’ higher perks

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) will appeal the High Court's decision that restored higher salaries and allowances for county staff and State officers.

The court on Tuesday quashed a Kenya Gazette notice the SRC used to cut the MCAs’ allowances and salaries.

SRC spokesman Ali Chege said they will appeal the decision as the salary review was done fairly after a job evaluation.

“We will not sit back because the Constitution is clear on our mandate of reviewing salaries of all State officers,” he said. He said the review of the MCAs' salaries was done based on their performance and the state of the economy.

Justice George Odunga, while reinstating the allowances, faulted the SRC, saying it failed to study the labour market and conduct a comprehensive job evaluation one year before the pay review as the law demands.

WAGE BILL

At the same time, Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot, who has launched an online campaign seeking to reduce the number of legislators, termed the ruling insensitive to the public.

“What values are we getting from the many MCAs, what policies are they debating that will help the people? The court should have looked at the general outcry before restoring the allowances,” Dr Aukot said.

“We will look for the judgment, read it and see how our voice can be heard. This includes appealing the decision,” he added.

But County Assembly Forum Secretary-General Eric Mwangi said the SRC sometimes makes discriminatory decisions.