They said it would be unjust for a cadre of officers to get higher salaries while others remain poorly remunerated as they carry out the most demanding duties.

Addressing a public hearing convened by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission at Malindi county council hall, speakers said the government should harmonise pay structure for all state workers on equal basis.

The hearing was marred by a low turnout following alleged lack of proper sensitisation by the commission. Martini Vuhiru, the Law Society of Kenya Chairman Malindi branch, said there were discrepancies in the proposed scheme.

He said the executive and judiciary pay structures should also be reviewed since variations were minimal. Vuhiru said pay for county assembly representative in the proposed structure was nearly equal to a magistrate's.