Coronavirus: All 47 Governors, their deputies to take 30% pay cut

Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya has announced that all the 47 County Governors and their deputies will take a voluntary pay cut of 30 percent to financially support the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Oparanya said County Executive Committee members will also take a salary cut of 20 percent while County Chief Officers and their counterparts under job Group S will offer 15 percent to combat the coronavirus.

At the same time, County Directors and county officers under job Group R have offered 15 percent of their salaries.

The move, according to Oparanya, is in line with the Presidential initiative to offer a voluntary reduction of salaries of senior government officials to fund efforts to combat the coronavirus in Kenya.

“We have also resolved that other cadres are welcome to voluntarily contribute whatever percentage that they deem fit. We also call upon the County Assemblies to follow suit and agree on a figure as this is for the benefit of our people

The CoG chairman said the money emanating from the pay cuts will be channeled through a special purpose account at the county level.

Meanwhile the Governors have complained over the standards of the coronavirus Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, saying they are of low quality and not able to protect workers in their line of duty.

“We therefore call upon KEMSA and KEBS to ensure the kits are of good quality,” said CoG.

The Governor’s council further added: “We further note that most counties have not received the PPE kits from KEMSA despite follow up from the council. We urge the National Government to fast-track the distribution of these kits.”

In a view to releasing more money into circulation and in keeping with the tough economic times Kenyans are experiencing, President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced voluntary salary cuts by the Executive.

President Kenyatta says his deputy William Ruto and himself will take a pay cut of 80 percent.

Cabinet Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries are to take a voluntary pay cut of 30 percent.