Kenyan Government Increases Civil Servant Salaries and Allowances for 2025/2026

Kenyan civil servants are set to receive higher pay after the government approved new salary and allowance adjustments for the 2025/2026 financial year. In addition to targeting both low- and mid-level cadres. The review is anchored on recommendations by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the National Treasury’s fiscal framework. Aims to cushion public servants against rising living costs while boosting motivation and productivity. The move addresses sustained pressure from unions over stagnated pay, high taxes, and inflation. CS Public Sevice, Geoffrey Ruku at a past event. Salary Increments by Cadre Basic salaries for most job groups will rise within targeted bands, with the largest percentage boosts going to lower cadres like drivers, clerical officers, support staff, and junior professionals. The adjustments narrow the gap between lowest and highest earners, aligning with SRC’s equity and affordability principles. National government civil servants, county staff, teachers, and select uniformed services are covered, with implementation phased from July 1, 2025. Depending on resources and union talks. Key Allowance Changes Allowances have been harmonized, including house allowances for major city workers and hardship allowances in marginalised areas to match current realities. The treasury ensures these fit within the wage bill ceiling, complying with public finance rules and IMF fiscal plans. However, some increments may stagger over the year to ease exchequer pressure. Broader Public Service Reforms Unions welcome the raises but demand relief from statutory deductions, housing levies, and escalating costs. Teachers’ and health workers’ groups note that increments could erode quickly without broader reforms. Therefore, urging prompt arrears payments and honoring collective agreements. The government frames this as part of reforms to attract talent, enhance performance, and cut wastage like ghost workers. Linked to digitization and ministry restructuring, it seeks better service delivery. Focus now shifts to smooth rollout, industrial harmony, and efficiency gains. ALSO READ: High Court Lifts Ban on Marie Stopes Abortion Services