Seven Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Members Approved by National Assembly After Two-Month Delay

After a two-month delay due to extended vetting, the National Assembly has finally approved seven members: Sammy Chepkwony appointed as the new Chairperson alongside six other commissioners including Maj-Gen (Rtd) Martin Kizito Ong'onyi, Mohamed Aden Abdi, Jane Gatakaa Njage, Dr. Gilda Odera, Dr. Geoffrey Apollo Omondi, and Leonid Ashindu to serve in the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). The decision brings an end to weeks of uncertainty, allowing the commission to begin its crucial work of harmonizing public sector salaries across various levels of government.

The newly appointed members are tasked with balancing the complex task of ensuring fair and equitable pay for public sector employees while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Their mandate includes reviewing and setting salary structures to prevent wage disparities, ensuring that public service employees are compensated fairly for their work.

However, in their approval, Parliament urged the newly appointed members to take a collaborative approach in their work, emphasizing the need to avoid targeting political figures or creating animosity within the public sector. Instead, the legislators recommended that the commission work closely with all stakeholders, including politicians, to foster transparency and accountability in the wage-setting process.

The commission's work comes at a critical time as Kenya continues to manage wage bills amidst economic constraints. The new SRC members are expected to bring stability to public sector remuneration, addressing salary disparities and fostering cooperation across government bodies to avoid potential disputes. Their ability to strike this balance will be key in shaping public sector compensation over the coming years.

By Ludovica Ferracuti