SRC seeks review of allowances in public service

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Chairperson Lyn Mengich. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has written to the Attorney General, Controller of Budget, and other government bodies for advice on reviewing allowances within the public service.

In a circular dated August 8, 2023, the Chairperson of the commission, Lyn Mengich, stated that the move aims to achieve equity and transparency in the management of allowances, and to offer guidance to the government in handling the wage bill.

"In accordance with this mandate and the aforementioned principles, the SRC is undertaking a review of allowances in the public service. The results of this review and the subsequent recommendations are anticipated to improve equity and transparency in allowance management," explained Mengich.

She indicated that the commission is embarking on the second phase of the review process, with a primary focus on retreat, sitting, taskforce, and daily subsistence allowances. The initial phase was completed in 2022.

The circular was copied to Cabinet Secretaries, Chief of Staff, Parliamentary Service Commission, Governors, County Assembly Service Boards, Chief Justice, among others.

The new development comes even as the SRC introduced new pay plans for public servants in July 2023.

As per the 2010 Constitution, the SRC is tasked with establishing and regularly reassessing the remuneration and benefits of all State officers, and providing advice to the national and county governments regarding the remuneration and benefits of all other public officers.