The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has gazetted the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (Remuneration and Benefits of State and Other Public Officers) Regulations, 2026, introducing a new legal framework aimed at strengthening the governance of salaries and benefits across Kenya's public service.
The regulations, published as Legal Notice No. 106 of 19 June 2026, operationalise the SRC Act, 2011, by establishing clear procedures for determining and reviewing remuneration and benefits for State officers and advising on the remuneration of all other public officers.
The new framework also provides procedures for conducting job evaluations, developing salary structures, recognising productivity and performance, guiding collective bargaining, and monitoring implementation across public institutions.
According to SRC, the gazettement marks a significant milestone in institutionalising transparent, equitable and evidence-based remuneration management within the public sector.
"The gazettement represents a significant milestone in institutionalising transparent, equitable and evidence-based remuneration management." SRC states.
The Commission says the regulations provide public bodies with a robust legal and procedural framework for administering remuneration and benefits while reinforcing constitutional principles of fiscal sustainability, fairness, transparency, attraction and retention of requisite skills, and recognition of productivity and performance.
Among the major reforms introduced is a structured four-year remuneration review cycle aligned with the national planning and budgeting process. The regulations also introduce standardised procedures for job evaluation to ensure equal remuneration for work of equal value and promote fairness, consistency and transparency in salary decisions.
In addition, the regulations institutionalise the development and review of salary structures using objective labour market surveys and evidence-based methodologies.
The framework further requires that remuneration decisions take into account economic performance, affordability and sustainability, cost of living, labour market trends, job evaluation outcomes, productivity and performance, as well as relevant government policies.
The regulations also establish a structured framework for collective bargaining negotiations, defining SRC's advisory and concurrence roles on items payable from public funds while strengthening oversight through provisions on implementation, review of advice, dispute resolution, monitoring and evaluation.
According to the Commission, the regulations are intended to enhance accountability and compliance across public institutions.
"SRC Regulations places productivity and performance at the heart of remuneration management, underscoring SRC's commitment to a high-performing, efficient and citizen-centred public service." SRC states.
SRC acknowledged the role played by stakeholders during the formulation of the regulations, saying the consultative process ensured the final framework reflects the needs of the public service while remaining consistent with the Constitution and existing legal frameworks.
SRC states in a statement, "SRC acknowledges the invaluable contribution of stakeholders from the national and county governments, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices, public institutions, employer organisations, trade unions and other partners who took part in the consultative process. Their input was instrumental in ensuring SRC Regulations reflect the diverse needs of the public service, while upholding the Constitution and existing legal frameworks."
To facilitate implementation, the Commission said it will roll out a comprehensive stakeholder sensitisation programme and work closely with public institutions to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework.
SRC says the gazettement marks a defining milestone in its efforts to strengthen remuneration governance in Kenya by providing a clear, transparent and predictable legal framework that promotes consistency in remuneration decisions, supports prudent use of public resources, advances equity and fairness, and contributes to a motivated and sustainable public service.
"The gazettement marks a defining milestone in SRC's efforts to strengthen remuneration governance in Kenya. By providing a clear, transparent and predictable legal framework, SRC Regulations will promote consistency in remuneration decisions, support the prudent use of public resources, advance equity and fairness, and contribute to a motivated, sustainable public service that delivers quality services to all Kenyans." SRC maintains.