Nyandarua Senator John Methu has declined a salary increase approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and has called on fellow legislators to do the same.
In a statement on Saturday, March 29, Methu stated that he would formally reject the pay rise, emphasizing that he had neither requested it nor wished to receive it.
“SRC has allocated me an additional Ksh366,000 beginning April, but I never sought a salary increment,” he stated. “I will be submitting an official letter to decline it, and I encourage my colleagues to do likewise.”
Concerns Over Rising Public Wage Bill
Methu questioned the justification for increasing lawmakers’ salaries at a time when many Kenyans are struggling financially. He urged leaders to prioritize the needs of the public rather than personal financial gains.
“How can a few individuals live lavishly while millions of Kenyans are grappling with economic hardships? This must come to an end. Any leader who genuinely represents the interests of the people should reject this increment,” he asserted.
SRC’s Salary Adjustment and Public Reaction
According to reports, the SRC’s revised salary structure, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, will see each Member of Parliament receive an additional Ksh366,011 per month as a fixed mileage allowance. This will be in addition to their current gross salary of Ksh739,600.
The adjustment, approved on March 20, 2025, is expected to cost taxpayers approximately Ksh4.4 billion by the next General Election. The move has sparked public debate, with concerns over the financial burden on taxpayers amid economic challenges.