Civil Servants Face Setback as Government Suspends Salary Increment
The Kenyan government, through the Public Service Commission (PSC), has announced a halt to planned salary reviews for civil servants, citing severe economic challenges.
PSC Vice-Chairperson Mary Kimonye explained that the worsening global financial situation has significantly impacted Kenya’s economy, leading to the suspension of pay increases for government employees.
Speaking at the sixth Women HR Convention in Naivasha, Kimonye also pointed to stagnating revenue collection as a contributing factor to the delays.
She emphasized that, given the global economic distress and Kenya’s struggling economy, government workers must brace for difficult times. “As long as the economy isn’t growing as desired, demands for higher salaries become just that—demands,” Kimonye stated.
Kimonye also stressed the importance of maintaining a competent public service. “We must ensure the government and public service are staffed with the right skills, attitude, and competencies,” she added.
This announcement comes shortly after civil servants nationwide issued a 60-day ultimatum, demanding the government address their concerns, including salary reviews.
In a letter dated January 25, the Union of Kenya Civil Servants, led by Secretary-General Tom Odege, criticized the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and PSC for failing to implement agreed-upon terms for nearly four months.
“Remuneration and benefits for county government employees at the executive level have not been implemented as directed, which violates principles of fair remuneration,” Odege stated.
Expressing frustration over the delays, civil servants also highlighted discriminatory practices, alleging that while national government employee concerns were addressed, their grievances were ignored.
“This is discrimination against county government employees, as the same has been implemented for national government counterparts,” Odege asserted.
He further warned, “We demand implementation within 60 days, or industrial action will be initiated.”
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Civil Servants Face Setback as Government Suspends Salary Increment
