The public sector wage bill was expected to reach Sh1.29 trillion in the year ended June 2026, compared with Sh1.22 trillion in the previous financial year. In the year to June 2019, the bill stood at Sh870.1 billion.
By Maureen KinyanjuiNyandarua, Nakuru, Migori, Kilifi, Siaya and Tana River were the only counties that remained within the 35 per cent wage-bill-to-revenue threshold during the nine months of 2025.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe Controller of Budget’s review for the period ending March 31, 2026 says Kisii County collected only a fraction of its own-source revenue target, recorded low development absorption, and carried significant trade payables and a wage bill above the regulatory ceiling.
By David Bogonko Nyokang'iThe Controller of Budget's report further reveals that the County Executive continued relying on short-term borrowing to meet payroll obligations maintaining an overdraft facility with Sidian Bank averaging Sh.1.6 billion per month for personnel emoluments, with an outstanding balance of Sh.1.54 billion by March 31, 2026.
By David Bogonko Nyokang'iDelegates at Kenya’s First National Productivity and Performance Conference adopted resolutions to mainstream productivity in public sector planning, shift compensation and promotions toward performance-based remuneration, overhaul performance contracting, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen revenue mobilisation.
By David Bogonko Nyokang'iHe attributed the pressure to overstaffing, duplicated functions, and staffing imbalances, noting that while best practice recommends a ratio of 70 percent technical staff to 30 percent support staff
By Chrispho OwuorSRC chairperson Sammy Chepkwony said attempts to control the wage bill through legal limits and fiscal measures have not delivered the expected results over the years.
By Maureen KinyanjuiBriefing the lawmakers, the Auditor General’s report read, “The statement of comparison of budget and actual amounts reflects final receipts budget and actual amount on a comparable basis of Sh1,503,865,584 and Sh1,794,814,789 respectively, resulting in an overperformance of Sh290,949,205 or 19 percent of the budget.”
By David Bogonko Nyokang'iThe proposed allocation sets aside Sh65 million for organising the conference, including costs for the venue, accommodation and meals, delegate coordination, digital systems and media engagement.
By Bradley BosireIn her defence, Governor Wanga explained that the increase was linked to her administration’s decision to settle long-pending employer obligations.
By Rose Achieng