President Uhuru Kenyatta has told public servants to brace themselves for tough times ahead, saying the Kenya’s economy is facing many challenges due to corruption and an unbearable wage bill that can no longer support pay increments.
The President was speaking at the Kisii County Referral and Teaching Hospital on the backdrop of the ongoing standoff between the Government and nurses who have been on strike for weeks now to push for salary increment.
“Let us abandon the habit of crying for more salaries. Let us stop thinking about our stomachs without serving the people,” said Uhuru.He added: “Let us join our hands and fix our economy by fighting corruption. Let us stop politicising corruption. Let us reject those who run to their communities when faced with corruption charges. Let them carry their own crosses.”
Uhuru warned against what he termed as ‘a new song of salary increments’ in an announcement that will not be received well by trade unions.And although he did not directly refer to the striking nurses, the President said he was alarmed by the growing chorus for pay hikes.
It is Raila who first complained about the calls for salary increment by public servants, saying Treasury is weighed down by high wage bills both at the national and county governments.
“There are calls for industrial action everywhere. Today it is nurses, even Atwoli (Cotu secretary general) will some come with his own. People are demanding higher pay from the same kitty which is not getting any additional money,” said Raila.He pleaded with the nurses to resume duty to end the suffering of patients in public hospitals.