The seven members of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) nominated by President William Ruto two months ago have been approved for office by the National Assembly.

The unanimous approval followed a debate session after the committee on appointments filed a report approving their appointments. Most of the MPs supported the appointment and cautioned the new appointees against going to war with the Parliament as in previous regimes.

They include Sammy Chepkwony, who will serve as chairperson, Martin Kizito Ong'oyi, Mohamed Aden Abdi, Leonid Ashindu, Gilda Odera, Geoffrey Apollo Omondi, and Jane Gatakaa Njage as members.

Each member represents a different sector in the government including; the defence council, county governments, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

President William Ruto during the New Year Message to Kenyans at the Kisii State Lodge, December 31, 2024.

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William Ruto

Others represent an umbrella body for employers, an umbrella body for trade unions, and a joint commission for professional bodies.

The seven were among 20 nominations made by the President to four commissions including; the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Commission of Administrative Justice (CAJ), and the National Gender Equality Commission (NGEC).

However, despite all the others being vetted and approved shortly after, nominees in SRC suffered an unprecedented delay when the committee on appointments requested more time to consider the approval.

Led by now chair Sammy Chepkwony, they faced the National Assembly Committee on Labour for their vetting on November 22, 2024.

However, as the other commissioners took office in their respective offices, they were left out even as the house took a recess for the December holidays.

In the December 5 sitting of the National Assembly, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah requested an extension to tie up some loose ends before making their decision.

In his submission, the Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) requested the speaker to grant the committee an additional 14 days to iron out pending issues.

“This house resolves to extend the period for consideration of a special motion relating to the approval of nominees submitted by His Excellency the President for appointment of the chairperson and members of the SRC by a period of 14 days starting December 11,” Ichung'wa requested.

The plea was ultimately seconded by the Minority Whip Mark Mwenje and approved by the House Speaker, Moses Wetangula.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula making remarks during the joint State of the Nation address by President William Ruto on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

National Assembly