Kenyan Military Officers To Take A Pay Cut Over Covid-19

As Covid-19 continues to sweep across the country, the government seems to be determined to secure any little shilling out of everyone with the latest casualties being officers in Kenya Defense Forces.

In an internal memo sent to KDF officials, officers in the force will be required to take a pay cut “due to the effects of the viral disease”, the Covid-19, that has caused a great impact on the economy of Kenya.

But is this a wise decision from the government? Is it wise to touch on the salaries of the military? A section of Kenyans feels it is a miscalculated move.

Kenyan military officers are set to take a pay cut. A memo has already sent to KDF generals for them to inform those under them. I think this is not a good move. Most soldiers will go rogue. But who touches salaries for the military and not for the MPs? Jubilee. Of course.

— juma G. 🇰🇪 (@jumaf3) April 23, 2020

“The threat and severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to pose health and socio-economic challenges across the world. Thus, the government has established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, in order to strengthen its response capacity,” reads part of the memo.

Several government officials have been directed to take a pay cut in an effort to cushion the economy against the effects of Covid-19. President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy announced a pay cut of up to 80 percent on their salaries. Speakers of both the National Assembly and Senate announced a pay cut of 30 percent on their salaries.

The push to have civil servants take a pay cut comes even as the National Treasury announced the disbursement of 40 billion shillings to help in the fight of the deadly Covid-19. The cash has already elicited a reaction among Kenyans who want the government to give an account of every coin they use.

READ: How To Cut Off 30% Of Your Budget During The Covid-19 Storm