The National Assembly is currently inviting public participation on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Amendment Bill 2024.
The primary objective of the bill is to amend the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act. One key amendment proposes that the chairperson and members of the commission serve on a part-time basis for a single, non-renewable term of six years.
Currently, the Act stipulates full-time service for the chairperson and members representing entities like the Parliamentary Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Teachers Service Commission, National Police Service Commission, Defence Council, Senate, and county governments.
However, members appointed by the Attorney General's office and a representative of the Cabinet Secretaries are currently designated to serve on a part-time basis.
The rationale behind the amendment is that since the commission's functions are periodic, there is no necessity for the chairperson and members to be engaged on a full-time basis.
It seeks to reduce the operational costs of the commission associated with the full-term running of the commission.
This will in turn implement the austerity measures President William Ruto had vowed to initiate to resuscitate the country's economy.
"The Commission's functions on setting and reviewing the remuneration and benefits of all States officers and advising the national and county governments on the remuneration and benefits of the public officers are done occasionally."
"Therefore the Bill seeks to reduce the operational costs of the commission associated with the full-term running of the Commission," read part of the Bill.
One of the primary functions of the SRC under Article 230, sub-section (4), grants the commission powers to advise county governments on the remuneration and benefits of public officers and employees within the devolved units.
Sponsored by Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Wekesa Barasa, the Bill consequently impacts county governments' authority in granting benefits to their officers.
Public input is welcomed via cna@parliament.go.ke until 5 pm on 31st July 2024.
In addition to the aforementioned Bill, the National Assembly is also soliciting public participation in the following amendment Bills:
Kenya Roads Board (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 18 of 2024), which proposes changes to the Roads Board Act of 1999 to reduce the board's membership.
The County Governments (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No. 25 of 2023), aims to raise the voting threshold required for the removal of a County Executive Committee member by a County Assembly.
The Kenya Roads (Amendments) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 31 of 2024), seeks amendments to the Kenya Roads Act of 2007 to include the provision for designing and constructing dedicated lanes for non-motorized transport.
