Government Announces Vacancy For SRC Chair Position, Benefits And Allowances

• The selection panel for the appointment of the chair of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) announced the vacancy
• Anyone seeking to be SRC chair must have a bachelor's degree in public management, finance and administration, economics, or a related field
• The chair of an independent commission earns a cumulative salary of KSh 765,188 and is entitled to airtime of up to KSh 20,000 per month

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The government has advertised the vacancy of the chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

What are the requirements for being an SRC chair?

In an advert on Monday, September 9, the selection panel invited qualified candidates to submit their applications for the position. Lyn Mengich is the outgoing chair of the commission.

According to the advert seen by TUKO.co.ke, anyone seeking to be SRC chair must have a bachelor's degree in public management, finance and administration, economics, or a related field, with 10 years of experience.

"Pursuant to provisions of Article 230 (1) and (2) of the constitution as read with Section 4 (1) and (3) of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act 2011 (No 10 of 2011), the selection panel invites applications from qualified persons to be considered for the nomination for appointment as chairperson of the SRC," the advert stated.

What are the salary and allowances of the SRC chair?

According to an SRC circular, the chair of an independent commission earns a cumulative salary of KSh 765,188.

This includes a basic salary of KSh 459,113, a house allowance of KSh 150,000 and a salary market adjustment of KSh 156,075.

The chair is entitled to airtime of up to KSh 20,000 per month.

Other benefits enjoyed by the SRC chair

1. He/she is provided with an official car with engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc.
2. An annual medical cover shall be provided to the state officer, one spouse and up to four children below 25 years fully dependent on the state officer, as follows:

• Inpatient: KSh 10 million.
• Outpatient: KSh 300,000.
• Maternity: KSh 150,000.
• Dental: KSh 75,000.
• Optical: KSh 75,000.

3. Car loan of up to KSh 8 million at 3% annual interest rate.

4. Mortgage of up to KSh 35 million.

5. Daily subsistence allowance for local and foreign travel (SRC determines the rates).

6. Annual leave allowance: It will be paid at KSh 50,000 per annum, and leave days cannot be commuted to cash.

7. The inspector general of police will provide the SRC chair with security.

8. Pension: He/she shall be paid a service gratuity at the rate of 31% of the annual pensionable emoluments for the term served.

Why SRC suspended salary reviews for public officers

In July, the SRC suspended salary reviews for all public officers in the financial year 2024/2025 following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

SRC announced that annual salary notch adjustments within existing salary structures will continue to be implemented within the current budget allocation.

SRC advised public service institutions with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) affected by the deferred salary review to engage with their respective trade unions.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke