The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has approved the increase of basic salary and leave allowance for civil servants for the 2025/2026 financial year, which will cost taxpayers over Ksh 2 billion.
In a letter from the SRC to the Principal Secretary for Public Service Jane Imbunya and seen by News9 Kenya, the pay increase targets civil servants in the national government and will be implemented effective July 1, 2025.
“The approved basic salary structure and leave allowance should be implemented with effect from July 1, 2025 at a cost of Ksh 2,065,701,510 for the financial year 2025/2026,” the letter revealed.
This follows a meeting held by SRC on December 19, 2025 that approved the review of leave allowance and basic salary for the civil service in the national government for the Phase 1 of the 4th remuneration and benefits review cycle, 2025/2026 to 2028/2029.
“Reference is made to your letters Ref. No. MPS&HCD.12 dated September 2, 2025 on the guidelines for negotiations on the 4th remuneration and benefits review cycle 2025-2029 and Ref. No. MPSP&DM/9/1dated December 11, 2025,” it explained.
What are the new gross salaries for civil servants?
Following the basic salary and leave allowance increase, the gross salary for the lowest grade of civil service (CSG 17) will be Ksh 25,450 minimum and a maximum of Ksh 28,450 .
Government employees of the highest job grade CSG 4 will earn a minimum gross salary of Ksh 430,290 to a maximum of Ksh 640,730.
The house allowances are divided into three clusters, which depend on the location. Cluster 1 is Nairobi City, Cluster 2 includes Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru cities, Nyeri, Eldoret, Thika, Kisii, Malindi, and Kitale Municipalities, while Clsuter 3 covers all other areas.
Commenting on the salary increment, the Secretary General for Central Organization for Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli applauded the move terming it a new year’s gift from the government to the civil servants.
“PS Janel Imbunya has released a circular showing that civil servants leave allowance and basic pay has almost been doubled as new year gift from the government of Kenya. Congratulations to civil servants union and President William Ruto,” he remarked.
House, commuter, and leave allowances
The range for house allowances that civil servants receive is Ksh 2,500 to Ksh 80,000 depending on the job grade. On the other hand, commuter allowances for these employees range from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 24,000.
House and commuter allowances are a monthly compensation, while leave allowance is paid annually and will range from Ksh 6,500 to Ksh 35,000 according to the circular.
SRC also noted that the salary structure for unionizable staff will be implemented through the Collective Bargaining Negotiations process.
This comes as the world welcomes the new year with Kenya facing its share of challenges including high youth unemployment, politicking between the government and opposition leaders, and health sector hurdles.
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