Kenya Slashes Salaries of President Kenyatta, Vice President, Lawmakers

Kenya has announced a pay cut for its government officials in a bid to cut down on unnecessary expenses which it believes is slowing down its economy.
According to Sarah Serem, Chairperson of Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the pay cut for state officials would be accompanied by abolition of mileage and sitting allowances to cushion the Kenyan tax payers from inflationary pressures.

According to the revised salary structure, President Uhuru Kenyatta will earn 10,400 dollars per month, down from 10,600 dollars, while his deputy William Ruto will be earning 10,200 dollars, down from 10,400 dollars.

The proposed salary cut will be implemented from September 2017 to 2022.

Also affected are cabinet secretaries, senior civil servants like lawmakers, county executives and ward representatives whose hefty perks had reportedly exerted huge pressure on public finances.

Ms. Serem revealed that cabinet secretaries, who were mostly hired from the private sector will take home a monthly pay of $9,025 down from $10,500 while lawmakers will earn $6,020, down from $7,010.
**********************
But why are they paid in dollars?