SRC Clarifies Civil Servants’ Pay Increase
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has denied reports of increasing the allowances of all civil servants in the country.
In a statement released on January 26th, the Commission clarified that it did not issue any circular announcing changes in the allowances as had been indicated in some media reports.
The statement read in part, “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.”
The statement went on to express regret that public service institutions and other interested parties had been misled and misguided by the story, and in some cases, it had created a false expectation and other unintended consequences.
As a result, the Lyn Mengich-led commission asked members of the public service and stakeholders to disregard the reports and cautioned the media to exercise responsible journalism.
The clarification from the SRC came amid pressure from civil servants to increase their pay to match the rising cost of living.
On January 15th, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) called out the SRC over its decision to abolish doctors’ contractual earnings and remuneration.
However, the Commission also faces pressure from the executive, with President William Ruto targeting 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.
It is worth noting that the reports that had been circulating in the media had promised an increase in house allowance, with that of Nairobi-based workers raised from Ksh10,000 to Ksh16,000.
This had led to government employees welcoming the salary boost amid tough economic times witnessed in the country.
In conclusion, the SRC has denied issuing any circular announcing changes in the allowances of civil servants in the country and has asked members of the public service and stakeholders to disregard the reports.
The Commission also faces pressure from both civil servants and the executive, making it a challenging environment for them to navigate.
The media is also encouraged to exercise responsible journalism and seek clarification or information from the SRC.
SRC Clarifies Civil Servants’ Pay Increase
