SRC Clarifies Pay Rise for All Civil Servants

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) denounced reports of increasing the allowances of all civil servants in the country.

In a statement dated Thursday, January 26, SRC clarified that it did not issue any circular announcing changes in the allowances as indicated in some media reports.

"The Commission would like to take this early opportunity to clarify that it has not issued any circular on housing and hardship allowances, or abolished any allowances.

Salaries and Remuneration Commission chairperson Lyn Mengich

File

"SRC regrets that public service institutions and other interested parties have been misled and misguided by the story, and in some cases, it has created a false expectation and other unintended consequences," the statement read in part.

Consequently, the Lyn Mengich-led commission asked members of the public service and stakeholders to disregard the reports and cautioned the media.

"The media is encouraged to exercise responsible journalism. SRC is always open to respond to requests for clarification or information," the notice read in part.

Government employees had marvelled at the reports and welcomed the salary boost amid tough economic times witnessed in the country.

The reports which have since been flagged as fake promised an increase in house allowance with that of Nairobi-based workers raised from Ksh10,000 to Ksh16,000.

The clarification came amid pressure from civil servants to increase their pay to match the rising cost of living.

On January 15, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) called out SRC over its decision to abolish doctors’ contractual earnings and remuneration. 

However, the Commission faces pressure from the executive, with President William Ruto targetting to slash Ksh300 billion from the 2022/3 budget.

In December 2022, SRC informed counties that it would not foot the bill for the construction of governor's residences following the lapse of the 2021/2 financial year deadline.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji (centre) and other officials address the media at Lake Naivasha Resort, Nakuru County on January 13, 2023.

KMPDU