afrol News, 14 December - Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki has proven his critics wrong that he wants to line up his pocket at the expense of national development. Mr Kibaki rejected the parliament's approval to increase his salary by 186 percent to make sure he was the best paid civil servant in Kenya.
In a statement, President Kibaki said after weighing the implications of his salary increase under the current economic conditions prevailing in the country, he had decided to turn down the offer.
Mr Kibaki said since he came to power, it had been the wishes of his government to better the lives of its citizens.
The Kenyan President thanked the parliament for seeing the need to increase his salary, adding that the remuneration due to public officer should be a true reflection of the economic and social times of the nation.
In spite of numerous protests from opposition deputies, the Kenyan parliament on 7 December approved a motion that more than doubled the monthly salary of President Kibaki so that he was to become the best paid state official.
This was meant to bring Mr Kibaki's salary in tandem with high-profile officials, who were said to be earning more than the President. It is believed that the former President, Daniel arap Moi, and the head of the national anti-graft agency were earning more than President Kibaki.
The increment had shot the President's salary from US$ 10,000 to US$ 27,600. Parliament also approved Mr Kibaki's monthly retention allowance of US$ 17,000, although it had earlier rejected salary increase for civil servants, teachers and government health workers, despite strikes.
Deputies backed the motion with the saying "we want to give the respect and dignity the presidency deserves."
But those in the opposition claimed that it was unfair for salary increase to favour only the President because there was a need for a review of the salaries of civil servants at large, most of who are paid pittances. This is set in context with the very high rate of corruption in Kenya, which President Kibaki has been unsuccessful in fighting despite his election promises.
Kenyan MPs are among the highest paid in Africa but their representatives have accused them of leading flamboyant lifestyles at their expense. 60 percent of Kenyans live below poverty line.
In addition to having one of the highest state salary in Kenya, President Kibaki has access to several state homes around the country, including a large and lavish abode in central Nairobi.
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