In a much-anticipated development, teachers and other civil servants inr Kenya can now look forward to a pay rise starting from July, following the allocation of funds by the Treasury. The Salary and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) suggestions to increase salaries for government employees have been approved, providing a significant boost to their compensation.
The news came to light as documents supporting the pay rise were presented for discussion by the departmental committee on planning and finances, chaired by Molo Mp Kuria Kimani. According to these documents, the national treasury has allocated a total of 17.7 billion shillings to the wages commission. This funding will be utilized to complete all pending employment evaluations.
The specific details regarding the magnitude of the salary increases for teachers and other public employees are currently being discussed between the national treasury and the SRC. Once these discussions are finalized and a clear framework is established, the allocated funds will be transferred to the relevant departments, ministries, and agencies.
This pay rise marks the end of a two-year salary freeze imposed on all teachers and government employees. Its implementation comes at a time when the government has been facing a liquidity crisis, resulting in delayed salaries for civil servants. The country’s growing debt repayment obligations have added to the challenge, further exacerbating the wage bill.
Acknowledging the distribution of funds, PS Treasury Chris Kiptoo confirmed that the 17.7 billion shillings will be utilized for the SRC job evaluation, constituting a portion of the government’s allocated 70 billion shillings for recurring expenses. Additionally, an extra 2.1 billion shillings have been set aside to fulfill contractual commitments related to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The decision to freeze compensation increases for teachers and government employees in 2020 was made by the SRC due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. With the situation gradually stabilizing, the government has taken this positive step to prioritize the welfare of its civil servants.
The forthcoming pay rise will bring much-needed relief and improved financial stability to teachers and other government employees, enabling them to continue their essential roles in the nation’s development. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the morale and overall productivity of the affected civil servants, thereby benefiting the education sector and various public services in Kenya.
As July approaches, teachers and civil servants eagerly await the implementation of the pay rise, which serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to recognizing their invaluable contributions to the nation.
