The Kenyan government has announced a major initiative to harmonise salaries across all public service institutions, aiming to eliminate pay disparities and promote fairness among civil servants. The plan reflects a commitment to equity, transparency, and accountability within the public sector.
Task Force Established to Drive Reform
During the Kenya Civil Servants National Delegates Conference in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes revealed that a dedicated task force would spearhead the harmonisation process. This team will include key agencies such as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
Addressing Long-Standing Salary Disparities
The initiative seeks to resolve inconsistencies where employees with similar qualifications and job roles earn different salaries depending on their ministry, department, or agency. The government emphasized that equitable pay is both a moral and constitutional obligation.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the President is committed to enhancing the welfare of civil servants through fair pay structures, competitive allowances, and benefits that reflect their contribution to national development.
Evaluation and Recommendations
The task force will review current pay frameworks, assess disparities across institutions, and propose actionable strategies for a unified salary structure. Existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) will also be scrutinized to identify gaps that have previously delayed implementation.
Improved Welfare and Medical Coverage
Alongside salary harmonisation, the government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing civil servants’ welfare. KSh 4.1 billion has recently been remitted to the Social Health Authority to support the health insurance scheme, ensuring all public servants can access medical services without financial or bureaucratic hurdles.
Promoting Ethics and Professionalism
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that fair compensation must accompany professionalism, integrity, and accountability within the civil service. He praised Kenya’s public service as one of the most capable in Africa and expressed confidence that the reforms would create a more efficient, empowered, and digitally enabled workforce dedicated to delivering excellence.
