Salaries and Remuneration Commission chairperson Ali Abdullahi Surraw /FILE
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has gazetted new regulations that change how salaries and benefits for State and public officers will be determined, reviewed and implemented.
The Remuneration and Benefits of State and Other Public Officers Regulations, 2026 came into effect after being published on June 19, 2026.
The gazettement marks a significant milestone in the management of public service remuneration as the new framework gives legal force to a uniform and transparent system for setting public sector pay.
It replaces fragmented and inconsistent approaches that have often triggered disputes over salary reviews, allowances and collective bargaining agreements.
The new regulations require remuneration decisions to be based on objective factors such as the country's economic performance, affordability, productivity, job value and labour market conditions, while ensuring prudent use of public funds.
According to SRC, the regulations operationalise the SRC Act, 2011, by providing detailed procedures for determining and reviewing remuneration and benefits for State officers and advising on the remuneration of all other public officers.
The framework also establishes procedures for conducting job evaluations, developing salary structures, recognising productivity and performance, guiding collective bargaining processes, and monitoring implementation across public institutions.
SRC said the regulations strengthen remuneration governance by introducing a transparent, equitable and evidence-based approach to managing salaries and benefits in the public service.
The commission noted that the regulations reinforce constitutional principles of fiscal sustainability, fairness, transparency, attraction and retention of skilled personnel, as well as recognition of productivity and performance.
The regulations place productivity and performance at the centre of remuneration management as part of efforts to build a high-performing, efficient and citizen-centred public service.
"To support implementation, SRC will roll out a comprehensive stakeholder-sensitisation programme and work closely with public bodies to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework," the commission said.
Among the major reforms is the introduction of a structured four-year remuneration review cycle aligned with the national planning and budgeting process.
The regulations also standardise job evaluation procedures to ensure equal pay for work of equal value while promoting fairness, consistency and transparency in remuneration decisions.
They further institutionalise the development and periodic review of salary structures using objective labour market surveys and evidence-based methodologies.
SRC said all remuneration decisions must now take into account Kenya's economic performance, affordability and fiscal sustainability, the cost of living, labour market trends, job evaluation outcomes, productivity and performance, as well as relevant government policies.
The framework also establishes structured procedures for collective bargaining negotiations, clearly defining SRC's advisory and concurrence roles on matters involving payments from public funds.
In addition, the regulations strengthen oversight by providing mechanisms for implementation, review of SRC advice, dispute resolution, monitoring and evaluation to enhance accountability and compliance across public institutions.
SRC acknowledged stakeholders from the national and county governments, constitutional commissions, independent offices, public institutions, employer organisations, trade unions and other partners whose contributions helped shape the regulations through a consultative process.
SRC said the regulations provide Kenya with a clear, transparent and predictable legal framework that will promote consistency in remuneration decisions.
"By providing a clear, transparent and predictable legal framework, SRC Regulations will promote consistency in remuneration decisions, support the prudent use of public resources, advance equity and fairness and contribute to a motivated, sustainable public service that delivers quality services to all Kenyans," the commission said.
