Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah has expressed concern over the Salaries and Remuneration Commission's (SRC) decision to halt revised pay and benefits for county governments. Atellah stated that this move has created unequal treatment for workers employed by counties compared to those in the national government. He emphasized that public servants should not receive different treatment based on the level of government where they work.
Atellah made these remarks during an interview on Radio Generation on September 30, 2026. He argued that wage reviews across the public service should be implemented on the basis of "equality" and "equity". The SRC's decision, communicated to the Council of Governors on September 11, 2026, cited concerns about counties' ability to meet their wage bills while maintaining financial stability. According to SRC, most county governments have a wage bill-to-ordinary-revenue ratio of above 35 per cent.
The suspension affects three remuneration structures covering State officers in county executives, members of county public service boards, as well as county secretaries and county attorneys. The SRC stated that the suspension would remain in force as it holds further discussions with the Council of Governors, the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and the National Treasury. Atellah's concerns reflect broader difficulties in implementing collective bargaining agreements and other pay adjustments affecting health workers.
Atellah highlighted that the 2017 doctors' collective bargaining agreement is now being implemented in full for the first time, resulting in salary increases of up to 50 per cent of basic pay for some doctors. He also mentioned that arrears owed under the agreement had been settled in two instalments made in December 2024 and 2025. However, Atellah noted that implementation across counties remains uneven, with some health workers continuing to experience salary delays and strikes.
The KMPDU Secretary General emphasized that the implementation of the doctors' CBA should not divert attention from the difficulties still facing county employees, including the latest decision by SRC to suspend the revised salary structures. Atellah called for equal treatment in the implementation of wages across the public service. He stressed that it is essential to push back against the SRC's decision to ensure fairness and equity in remuneration.
The SRC's decision has significant implications for county governments, which are already facing challenges in managing their finances. The Controller of Budget has reported that counties are collecting more revenue but spending less on development. The situation may worsen with the impending El Niño rains, which could exacerbate human rights challenges.
Atellah's criticism of the SRC's decision reflects the ongoing debates about public service remuneration in Kenya. The issue has sparked discussions about the need for equal treatment of public servants across different levels of government. As the SRC continues to engage with stakeholders, it remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved and what impact it will have on county workers and the broader public service.
Key points
- Dr. Davji Atellah accuses SRC of discriminating against county workers.
- SRC halts revised pay and benefits for county governments due to financial concerns.
- Implementation of collective bargaining agreements remains uneven across counties.
