According to Article 230(4) of the Kenyan Constitution, the powers and functions of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission should be:

• To set and regularly review the remuneration and benefits of all State officers; and
• To advise the national and county governments on the remuneration and benefits of all other public officers.

In performing its functions, the Commission shall take the following principles into account:

• The need to ensure that the total public compensation bill is fiscally sustainable;
• The need to ensure that public services are able to attract and retain the skills required to execute their functions;
• The need to recognize productivity and performance; and
• Transparency and fairness.