Government forms task force to harmonise civil servants’ salaries

Ruku said disparities in pay for employees with similar responsibilities have undermined morale and productivity

by Tabnacha Odeny

News14 October 2025 - 20:00

In Summary

CS Ruku said the task force will bring together key government institutions, including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
The team will be tasked with developing a framework to standardise pay and benefits across ministries, departments, and state agencies.

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Salaries

The government has unveiled a major plan to harmonise salaries across the public sector in a move aimed at eliminating long-standing disparities and ensuring fairness among civil servants.

Speaking during the Kenya Civil Servants National Delegates Conference held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, Tuesday October 14, 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, announced the establishment of a high-level task force to drive the harmonisation process.

Ruku said the task force will bring together key government institutions, including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.

The team will be tasked with developing a framework to standardise pay and benefits across ministries, departments, and state agencies.

“To achieve equity and fairness in the public service, I have set up a task force. The President is working day and night to ensure the welfare of all public servants is well taken care of in terms of salaries, allowances, and working conditions,” Ruku said.

He described the initiative as both a moral and constitutional duty, noting that disparities in pay for employees with similar qualifications and responsibilities have undermined morale and productivity in the public sector.

“There is no reason as to why, for instance, an officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and another in a state agency such as KenGen should be paid differently if they hold similar qualifications and responsibilities. The principle of equity must be upheld,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary hailed Kenya’s civil service as one of the best in Africa and expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would enhance its efficiency, professionalism, and impact. He urged all public officers to uphold diligence, integrity, and accountability as the government works to improve their welfare.

“We want to employ the civil service to its capacity and ensure it works optimally,” Ruku stated.

Beyond pay harmonisation, Ruku outlined additional welfare reforms targeting health insurance and working conditions. He confirmed that the government had recently remitted Sh4.1 billion to the Social Health Authority to sustain the civil servants’ health insurance scheme.

“We want every civil servant to walk into any health facility and receive medical care without frustration. That’s our commitment,” he said, adding that his ministry continues to engage with the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority to guarantee seamless healthcare access.

Ruku also announced plans to review all existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with a view to addressing implementation delays and closing existing gaps that affect workers’ benefits.

At the same time, he challenged civil servants to match the government’s efforts with ethical conduct and personal responsibility. “We must be responsible for our actions and ensure integrity in everything we do. As the government works to improve your welfare, you must also uphold ethical standards,” he added.

The conference brought together delegates from across the country to deliberate on the future of Kenya’s public service, focusing on reforms, welfare, and performance.

The salary harmonisation agenda is expected to become a landmark reform that will strengthen motivation, enhance transparency, and ensure justice in public remuneration.