A peak into Article 230 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010

To truly comprehend the broad and far-reaching mandate of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), it is imperative to delve into the historical backdrop that precipitated its establishment.

SRC did not emerge in a vacuum, rather, it was established out of a longstanding need to address systemic disparities and irregularities in the realm of public service compensation.

Prior to the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, remuneration and benefits in the public service were determined either by Commissions or ad hoc Committees.

However, this approach often resulted in disparities in pay between different sectors of the public service, and it did not account for the broader implications on the government’s financial capacity to afford the reviews in pay.

For decades, concerns had mounted over the lack of a coherent and transparent framework governing the remuneration of public servants.

This absence of a standardised approach not only bred perceptions of unfairness, but also threatened to erode public confidence in the integrity of these vital institutions.

It was against this backdrop of mounting public scrutiny and calls for reform that Kenyans, in promulgating the Constitution, unanimously voted in favour of establishing SRC.

The primary objective was to create an independent and impartial body primarily tasked with, among other things, rationalising and harmonising the disparate pay structures that had previously existed across various government agencies and levels.

By understanding this historical context, one can appreciate SRC’s mandate as a response to a pressing societal need – a need for fairness, transparency, and accountability in public service compensation.

Only by acknowledging the challenges of the past can we truly grasp the significance of SRC’s role in charting a new course towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

SRC’s mandate is not merely about determining salaries; it is about restoring public trust, fostering a sense of fairness, and ensuring that those who serve the nation are compensated in a manner that reflects their contributions, while upholding the principles of fiscal responsibility and good governance.

In essence, the historical context illuminates SRC’s raison d’être, underscoring the profound implications of its work in shaping a more just and transparent public service landscape – one that not only benefits those who serve, but also the wider society they represent.