Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has accused the Salaries and Remuneration Commission of overstepping their mandate after they termed his incentives to health workers unlawful.
Dr. Mutua announced the incentives scheme on Wednesday, April 8, in which health workers operating in isolation centers will get up to Sh20,000 in extra allowances.
But little did he realise that the move to motivate doctors and nurses would result in resistance from the SRC.
"The mandate of SRC when it comes to public officers, as captured by the Constitution is to advise and NOT IMPOSE. Standardization of salaries and allowances in the country are good but they should not be an imposition," said Dr. Mutua in defense of his reward scheme.
The governor was reacting to the SRC's statement that said that counties are required to seek their approval before announcing any incentives to county workers.
"Whereas the Commission is cognizant of the challenges faced by the health professionals in the fight against Covid-19, it is concerned that due process has to be followed in the introduction of any new allowances, by way of seeking advisory from the Commission as required by law.
"Award and payment of such allowances without the advisory of the Commission is not only unlawful, but is also likely to cause inequity in remuneration across the health sector in the counties, consequently leading to instability in the sector at this critical time when all counties require adequate health personnel," said Mrs Lyn Mengich, SRC chairperson.
