SRC Seeks Public Input on Proposal to Eliminate Non-Practice Allowances
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in Kenya is calling for public opinion on a proposal to revise Non-Practice Allowances in the public service that would remove benefits for professionals, including doctors and lawyers.
The move is intended to streamline management and improve transparency, accountability, equity and fairness.
The Non-Practice Allowance is intended to attract and retain specific scarce, rare and critical professional skills in public service, but has now outgrown its original purpose.
The capacity and need for professional skills in the public service has progressively grown over the years, leaving the allowance in need of review.
The proposal, which is open for public feedback until March 7, 2021, will not apply to contracted payments, which will continue as a benefit to the individual. The SRC will provide guidance on implementation on a case-by-case basis.
This follows a proposal to cut civil servants’ salaries in 2019, which was not implemented.
The SRC is responsible for setting and regularly reviewing public sector remuneration, including salaries and allowances, to ensure that they are in line with national policies and are affordable and sustainable within the economy.
The Non-Practice Allowance, which is payable to individuals who do not practice their professional skills in their current public service position, was introduced to encourage and retain high-value skills in the public service.
The proposal is intended to promote equity and fairness across the public service, ensuring that all individuals are fairly compensated for their skills and contributions, regardless of whether they practice them in their current roles.
The SRC has also argued that the revision will help reduce the burden on public finances, as the Non-Practice Allowance is not sustainable in the current economic climate.
Many public sector employees, including doctors and lawyers, are unhappy about the proposal, claiming that it will negatively impact their pay and working conditions.
However, some have acknowledged the need to review public sector remuneration to ensure that it is affordable and sustainable in the long term.
The decision to remove the Non-Practice Allowance will depend on the feedback received from the public consultation process.
In conclusion, the SRC is seeking public opinion on a proposal to revise the Non-Practice Allowance in the public service. The review aims to improve transparency, accountability, equity, and fairness across the public service.
While some professionals have expressed concerns about the impact on their pay and working conditions, others acknowledge the need to review public sector remuneration to ensure that it is affordable and sustainable in the long term.
The decision will depend on the feedback received from the public consultation process.
SRC Seeks Public Input on Proposal to Eliminate Non-Practice Allowances
