Many Kenyans are angry and frustrated about the rising salaries of government officials while the rest of the country struggles. One of them, Ian Mwangi, recently wrote a public letter to Senator Okiya Omtatah asking him to take action.
Ian believes that the current situation is unfair. He points out that while businesses are closing down, jobs are being lost, and many people can barely afford daily essentials, government workers keep increasing their salaries and benefits.
This letter was posted on X on April 25, 2025, and it quickly gained attention. Ian did not hold back in expressing how hard life has become for ordinary citizens. He said Kenyans are on the edge and that many are losing faith in both the economy and leadership.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah (File picture)
Kenya’s economy is currently facing serious challenges. According to the World Bank, economic growth dropped to 4.5% in 2024, which is lower than the 5.6% seen in 2023. It’s expected to improve slightly to around 4.9% between 2025 and 2027, but that is still slow growth.
Meanwhile, inflation has remained high. In 2023, it stood at 7.7%, and that made life even more expensive for many Kenyans. The African Development Bank has also highlighted this inflation as one of the biggest concerns. On top of that, two-thirds of the population lives on less than $3.20 a day, according to a previous report by USAID.
These numbers paint a clear picture of a struggling population trying to survive in an unfair system.
The call to reduce salaries for overpaid government workers is not just about anger. It is about fairness and justice. Ian’s message to Senator Omtatah urges the senator to introduce a motion in Parliament that will force a review and cut of these salaries.
They believe that by cutting excessive wages at the top, more money can be directed to essential services like healthcare, education, and job creation. This could help the economy recover faster and ease the pressure on ordinary citizens.
The national budget deficit is expected to reach 3.9% of GDP by June 2025, which means the government is already spending more than it earns. Reducing unnecessary spending, especially on salaries, could help fix that.
Some argue that cutting government salaries could discourage skilled workers from staying in public service. Others say that such cuts would make little difference unless corruption and wasteful spending are also addressed.
The government is planning to issue a $500 million sustainability-linked bond later in 2025, which shows they are trying to manage finances better. But public trust is still low. Many feel like the government is always asking citizens to tighten their belts while those in power continue to live comfortably.
