The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of Kenya has announced an immediate suspension of newly reviewed remuneration and benefits for county officials, including executives, public service board members, secretaries, and attorneys. This decision comes after consultations with the Council of Governors and consideration of submissions from devolved units on the proposed structures. The suspension was confirmed by SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony in a letter dated 11 September 2026.
According to the SRC, most counties have wage bills exceeding 35 percent of their ordinary revenue, raising concerns about the affordability and sustainability of the revised salary packages. The commission warned that implementing the new remuneration under current fiscal conditions could have significant implications for county wage-bill sustainability. This move has prompted criticism from various quarters, particularly from health-worker unions.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has criticised the suspension, arguing that county health workers and other employees are public servants entitled to predictable and equitable remuneration. KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atella contended that fiscal responsibility should not be applied selectively to devolved workers. The union called for the suspension to be reversed and for affordability concerns to be addressed through transparent consultations.
The SRC's decision to halt the implementation of the new salary structures is intended to allow further engagement among key stakeholders, including the Council of Governors, the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and the National Treasury. This dialogue aims to find a solution that balances the need for equitable remuneration with fiscal sustainability concerns. The dispute remains unresolved, with the implementation of the July 2026 salary reviews currently on hold.
The suspension of the new salary structures has significant implications for county officials who were expecting a review of their remuneration. The SRC's move has been seen as a measure to ensure that counties do not overcommit their resources to wage bills, potentially jeopardising other essential public services. However, this decision has also raised concerns about the welfare of county employees.
The SRC's Chairperson, Sammy Chepkwony, emphasised the need for a balanced approach to remuneration that takes into account both the fiscal constraints of counties and the need for fair compensation for public servants. The commission is expected to continue its dialogue with stakeholders to find a solution that addresses these competing concerns.
The outcome of the SRC's engagement with stakeholders will be crucial in determining the fate of the suspended salary structures. County officials and employees are eagerly awaiting a resolution to this dispute, which has left their remuneration in limbo. The SRC's decision underscores the complex challenges of managing public finances and ensuring equitable compensation for public servants in Kenya.
Key points
- The Salaries and Remuneration Commission suspended new salary structures for county officials due to wage-bill sustainability concerns.
- Most counties have wage bills exceeding 35 percent of their ordinary revenue.
- The suspension has been criticised by health-worker unions, who argue that county employees are entitled to predictable and equitable remuneration.
