Nairobi: The Government has formed a task force to review and kick-start the harmonization process of public servants’ salaries, remuneration allowances, and benefits, with a view to addressing the current inequalities and ensuring fairness and equity across Ministries, Departments, and State Agencies. The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, revealed that the Task Force will comprise the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, and the Public Service Commission.
According to Kenya News Agency, CS Ruku emphasized that there is no reason why civil servants with the same qualifications, for example, in Ministries and State Agencies, are receiving different salaries, underscoring that equity and fairness must be upheld as per the Constitution. The CS assured that the government is addressing several issues affecting civil servants, including health insurance packages, workmen’s compensation on occupational injuries, and the implementation of the public servant Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The government has paid Sh4.1 billion towards the civil servant’s health insurance scheme, ensuring that government workers will continue to enjoy sustainable health coverage, stated the CS during the National Delegates Conference for the Kenya Civil Servants held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development in Nairobi. Delegates from all 47 Counties gathered to discuss civil service reforms, welfare, motivation, justice under Constitutional provision Article 41, and the way forward in addressing matters affecting government workers.
CS Ruku described the establishment of the Task Force as his moral and constitutional duty, noting that pay disparities negatively impact the morale, motivation, and productivity of civil servants. However, he expressed concern over ghost workers, particularly in county governments, and employees falsely claiming benefits such as tax exemptions by masquerading as people with disabilities (PWDs) without following due process. He warned that those involved in such illegal activities would face severe consequences, including arrest, prosecution, and dismissal.
The CS reassured that civil servants working in challenging areas will continue receiving hardship allowances and guaranteed career progression. Ruku praised civil servants for their dedication and professionalism in serving the nation, urging them to uphold diligence and integrity. National delegates from across the country, including National Chairman Alisokor Mohamed, Secretary General Tom Odege, and National Treasurer Abdi Malik Abdalla, were present at the conference.