PLO Lumumba Condemns SRC’s Decision To Raise MPs’ Salaries As “Immoral And Obnoxious”

Kenyan lawyer and governance expert Prof. PLO Lumumba has strongly criticized the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) over its recent decision to increase Members of Parliament (MPs) salaries to nearly Sh2 million a month.

In a letter dated April 2, 2025, and addressed to SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony, Prof. Lumumba expressed outrage over what he termed a morally wrong and economically insensitive move, especially as millions of Kenyans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.

“I write to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the recent decision by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission under your leadership to enhance the already outrageous emoluments of the Kenyan Members of Parliament,” Lumumba stated.

According to the letter seen by Kahawa Tungu, the legal scholar took issue with the SRC’s move to grant each MP an additional Sh366,011 as a fixed monthly mileage allowance, raising their total monthly pay to approximately Sh1,983,011. He described the increment as “obnoxious and immoral,” particularly in contrast to the median salary in Kenya, which he said is about Sh65,000.

Prof. Lumumba pointed out that despite Kenya being a relatively small economy with a GDP of $107.44 billion, its lawmakers are among the best paid globally.

He cited a 2024 report by the National Taxpayers Association, which revealed that Kenyan MPs earn 76 times the country’s GDP per capita, even before allowances are factored in.

He criticized the SRC, saying its commissioners appear vulnerable to political manipulation and fail to uphold their constitutional responsibility to ensure fair and transparent remuneration across the public sector.

“The SRC is mandated under Article 230 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, to ensure sustainable public sector pay. Unfortunately, it appears that when face to face with Parliamentarians, Commissioners suddenly become supine and lily-livered,” he said.

Lumumba noted the irony in the government’s consistent claim of lacking funds when dealing with civil servants such as teachers, doctors, and lecturers—only to swiftly allocate money for MPs’ salary increases.

“In these challenging economic times, when the Kenyan economy is shrinking in real terms, it is not only reckless but also immoral to prioritize the comfort of a privileged few over the needs of the majority,” he wrote.

He called on the SRC to re-evaluate its role and act in the public interest, urging its members to resist undue influence and protect the integrity of the commission.