The Government has formed a task force to review and kick-start harmonization process of public servants’ salaries, remuneration allowances and benefits, with a view to addressing the current inequalities and ensure fairness and equity across Ministries, Departments and State Agencies.
The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, revealed that the Task Force will comprise the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development and the Public Service Commission.
“There is no reason why civil servants with the same qualification, for example, in Ministries and State Agencies are getting different salaries. There should be equity and fairness as per the Constitution. The principle of equity must be upheld,” Ruku emphasised.
The CS at the same time assured that the government is addressing several issues affecting civil servants that include health insurance packages, workmen’s compensation on occupational injuries, as well as implementation of the public servant Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The CS said the government has paid Sh4.1 billion towards civil servant’s health insurance scheme, assuring that government workers will continue to enjoy health cover sustainably.
CS Ruku was speaking during the National Delegates Conference for the Kenya Civil Servants held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Nairobi.
Delegates from across the 47 Counties in the country converge to brainstorm on civil service reforms, welfare, motivation, justice as per the Constitutional provision under Article 41 and the way forward in addressing matters affecting government workers.
The CS said that the establishment of the Task Force was his moral and constitutional duty describing pay disparities as braking morale, motivation and general productivity of civil servants.
The CS, however, expressed concern over the issue of ghost workers, particularly at the county governments as well as employees claiming benefits such as tax exemptions, masquerading as people with disabilities (PWDs) without following due process.
Ruku warned that those culpable with such illegal claims, when caught would face dire consequences including arrest, prosecution and dismissal.
The CS assured that civil servants working in difficult areas will continue receiving their hardship allowances as well as guaranteed career progression.
Ruku commended civil servants for their dedication and professionalism in the service to the nation, urging them to always uphold diligence and integrity
Present were national delegates drawn from all over the country led by National Chairman Alisokor Mohamed, the Secretary General Tom Odege and the National Treasurer Abdi Malik Abdalla among other officials.
by Mohammed Dahir
