The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has ushered in a new chapter following the swearing-in of Ali Abdullahi Surraw as its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.
The swearing-in ceremony was administered by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Lady Justice Martha Koome, in line with the Constitution and relevant statutory provisions governing the Commission.
Mr Surraw brings to the SRC close to 20 years of extensive leadership experience in public service management, governance, human resource leadership and financial administration.
Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Registrar of Political Parties and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, where he played a central role in institutional restructuring, automation of human resource systems, strategic stakeholder engagement and strengthening organisational compliance frameworks.
He has also previously served in several senior public and private sector positions, including County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning in Isiolo County, Executive Director at Millennium Innovation Consulting Group, Branch Manager at the National Social Security Fund, and Elections Coordinator at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Speaking after taking the oath of office, Mr Surraw reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Commission in the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate.
He emphasised the importance of institutional integrity, stakeholder collaboration and evidence-based decision-making in promoting fair, sustainable and fiscally responsible remuneration outcomes in the public service.
“I am committed to working with the Commission and all stakeholders to uphold transparency, accountability and fairness in the management of public sector remuneration,” he said.
The SRC, in a statement, congratulated Mr Surraw on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership as the Commission advances its mandate.
The Commission said it looks forward to working closely with the new Secretary/CEO to promote national development priorities while upholding the principles of fiscal discipline, transparency, equity, accountability and good governance.
SRC plays a critical constitutional role in setting and reviewing the remuneration and benefits of state officers and advising the national and county governments on the remuneration and benefits of all other public officers.
Mr Surraw’s appointment comes at a time when the Commission continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening public sector wage management and ensuring sustainability in government expenditure.
His experience in governance, finance and institutional leadership is expected to enhance the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and respond effectively to emerging challenges in public sector remuneration.
By Michael Omondi
