President William Ruto has responded to public pressure by refusing to approve a notice that would have increased salaries for top government and elected officials, originally slated to take effect on July 1.

The President has called for the halt of the gazette notice issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) last September, citing the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and anticipated fiscal constraints for the current financial year.

Hussein Mohamed, the State House spokesman, conveyed President Ruto’s directive in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “President William Ruto has directed the National Treasury to reassess Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from the SRC concerning remuneration and benefits for State officers in the Executive of the National Government, the Senate, and the National Assembly, given the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024, and fiscal constraints expected this financial year.”

Mohamed emphasized, “The President has stressed the importance, now more than ever, for the Executive and all government branches to live within their means.”

This decision followed a similar move by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who had earlier written to the SRC, urging them to cease the implementation of the new salary structure.

Mr. Kuria referenced resolutions from the Third National Wage Bill Conference and austerity measures outlined by the President.

“If implemented, top government officials such as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Attorney General, and the Head of Public Service would receive monthly perks amounting to approximately one million each,” added Mr. Kuria.