Six Years of Balancing the Scales – By Safi Godana Ibrae

In the ever-changing landscape of Kenya’s public service, SRC has emerged as a steadfast guardian of fiscal responsibility. Over the past six years, SRC has skillfully navigated the complex terrain of managing Kenya’s public wage bill, ensuring not only its stability, but also the continued delivery of essential services that millions of Kenyans rely on.

This was noted during an end of term luncheon organised on 3 September 2024, at the Nairobi Safari Club, in honour of Members of the Commission whose six year terms had come to an end. They are Lyn Mengich, Chairperson, Dr. Amani Komora, Vice Chairperson, and Commissioners, Sophie Moturi, John K. Monyoncho, Dr. Leah Mumbua Munyao, Margaret Sawe and Nelly Ashubwe.

SRC’s journey over the last six years was one of meticulous planning and strategic intervention. When the financial year (FY) 2017/2018 began, the ratio of the public wage bill to total ordinary revenue stood at a concerning 51.54 per cent.

Fast forward to FY 2022/2023, and that figure has been reduced to 46.64 per cent, with projections indicating a further decline to 39.22 per cent in the coming year.

This remarkable trend is even more impressive when viewed against the backdrop of a growing wage bill, which has surged from Ksh 785 billion in 2017/2018 to a projected Ksh 1.17 trillion in 2023/2024.

The expansion of vital sectors such as education, health, and security has fueled this growth, but SRC’s strategic approach has kept it sustainable.

Central to SRC’s success has been its implementation of fiscally sustainable salary structures. SRC’s response to the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic was both bold and necessary.

By freezing salary structures for State corporations, Constitutional Commissions, and Independent Offices during the second and third review cycles, SRC took a decisive stand inspired by fiscal constraints.

Yet, this freeze was not without compassion; public officers still received a modest 3 per cent annual increment to help offset the rising cost of living, demonstrating SRC’s commitment to fairness even in tough times.

SRC’s efforts have not been limited to salaries alone. In 2019, SRC identified an overwhelming 247 different allowances being paid to public servants, accounting for nearly half of the total wage bill.

To combat this, the implementation of SRC’s Allowances Policy Framework led to an annual saving of Ksh 11.2 billion funds, which were redirected to other critical government priorities following the abolishment of some allowances. This underscored SRC’s dedication to fiscal responsibility.

Beyond managing compensation, SRC has played a crucial role in fostering industrial harmony within public service institutions.

By revising the Collective Bargaining Negotiation (CBN) Guidelines and providing advisory support to 168 institutions between 2018 and June 2024, SRC ensured that wage negotiations are conducted within clear, fair parameters, reducing the potential for disputes and promoting a more stable work environment.

Innovation has also been a hallmark of SRC’s approach. In 2023, SRC launched the Framework for Recognising Productivity and Performance in the Public Service, a groundbreaking initiative that has been implemented across 24 institutions.

This framework is designed to enhance service delivery and ensure that public resources are utilised efficiently, contributing to Kenya’s broader economic growth.

Equity and transparency has remained at the core of SRC’s mandate. Over the past six years, SRC has evaluated 47,500 unique jobs across the public service, establishing equitable grading and remuneration structures that reflect the true value of each role.

The introduction of iJES (Integrated Job Evaluation System), a digital job evaluation system, has further streamlined this process, ensuring consistency and enhancing transparency across the board.

SRC’s unwavering commitment to good governance and accountability has not gone unnoticed. SRC garnered accolades at the Fire Awards and the Champions of Governance Awards, a testament to dedication in upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and financial accountability.

As SRC looks to the future, the focus remains on fully implementing the resolutions from the Third National Wage Bill Conference. These efforts are vital to ensuring that Kenya’s public wage bill remains affordable and fiscally sustainable, freeing up resources for development and other government priorities.

SRC’s work over the past six years stands as a powerful testament to the impact of strategic governance and fiscal prudence, a lasting legacy that will continue to shape Kenya’s economic landscape for years to come.

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