NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to harmonise salaries across the public sector in a bid to end long-standing pay disparities and promote fairness among civil servants.
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the move is part of ongoing reforms to improve equity, motivation, and accountability within the public service.
Speaking during the Kenya Civil Servants National Delegates Conference at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, Ruku announced the formation of a high-level task force to spearhead the salary harmonisation process.
“To achieve equity and fairness in the public service, I have set up a task force. The President is working day and night to ensure the welfare of all public servants is well taken care of in terms of salaries, allowances, and working conditions,” Ruku said.
The task force will draw membership from key institutions, including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
It will be mandated to develop a framework that standardises pay and benefits across ministries, departments, and state agencies.
Ruku described the reform as both a moral and constitutional obligation, citing the unfairness of pay differences among officers with comparable qualifications and responsibilities.
“There is no reason an officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and another in a state agency such as KenGen should be paid differently if they hold similar qualifications and responsibilities. The principle of equity must be upheld,” he said.
The CS praised Kenya’s civil service as one of the best in Africa, expressing optimism that the harmonisation plan and other welfare reforms would enhance professionalism and service delivery.
Beyond the salary review, Ruku revealed that the government had recently remitted Sh4.1 billion to the Social Health Authority to sustain the civil servants’ health insurance scheme.
“We want every civil servant to walk into any health facility and receive medical care without frustration. That’s our commitment,” he said, noting that his ministry continues to engage with the Ministry of Health to guarantee seamless healthcare access.
Ruku also announced plans to review all Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to address delays in implementation and close gaps affecting workers’ benefits.
At the same time, he urged civil servants to uphold integrity and diligence as the government works to improve their welfare.
“We must be responsible for our actions and ensure integrity in everything we do. As the government works to improve your welfare, you must also uphold ethical standards,” he said.
The two-day delegates’ conference brought together representatives from across the country to discuss reforms, welfare, and performance in Kenya’s public service.
The harmonisation agenda is expected to mark a landmark reform that could strengthen motivation, enhance transparency, and entrench justice in public sector remuneration.
