TRADE assistant minister Manson Nyamweya yesterday supported a new salary structure for public servants released by the Salary and Remuneration Commission.

Nyamweya said what is important is not the amount of money someone earns, but the "sustainability and expansion of the economy" to create wealth and jobs.

Speaking in Kisii town, Nyamweya said with improved exports, the country can deal with its currency depreciation.

"The huge salaries the civil servants earn is as a result of continued depreciation of the shilling, so what is needed is an improvement on the exports," said Nyamweya.

He urged the government to put in place a mechanism to improve the economy and create a pension fund for the retirees to guarantee them security.

"Civil servants earn high salaries because they feel insecure," said the assistant minister. "So it is necessary the government comes up with a good retirement package to cushion them."

Following the salary structure, the commission chairperson Sarah Serem said the state will save more than Sh500 million once the salaries are adjusted are implemented.

The Commission on Tuesday released a new pay structure that recommended a maximum salary of Sh1.7 million for the President from the present Sh2 million.

The Deputy President and the Speaker of the National Assembly will receive a maximum salary of Sh1.4 million while the Chief Justice will take home Sh1.38 million.

Nyamweya who is also the outgoing South Mugirango MP said that people should stop the the thinking of high salaries but insecurity for retirees.

Said the Trade assistant minister : "It is good if a civil servant retires when he is secured in terms of health and food latter than getting huge monthly salary,"