Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu ignited debate in the Senate after publicly rejecting a directive by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) requiring counties to construct official residences for governors. The SRC circular sets a ceiling of Sh50 million for the construction of a governor’s residence. Defending the county’s position, Governor Irungu maintained that counties should be allowed to determine their own development priorities. Senator Omogeni proposed that if counties were unwilling or unable to construct official residences, the SRC should consider withdrawing the directive altogether. Governor Irungu said he would submit the issue to the Council of Governors for consideration and possible collective action.