This was the first time the commissioners had ventured out to the universities to have a one-on-one and candid discussions on SRC remuneration policies, implementation guidelines, and the sustainability of the public wage bill.
“When we took office, one of the things that came out clearly to the Commission was the need to mend our relationship with stakeholders,” explained Commissioner Odera.
“We acknowledge the role that universities play in nurturing talent, driving innovation, and supporting national development. And for this reason, we at SRC highly value our partnership with the higher education sector.”
Dr. Odera further clarified that the visit aimed to achieve three objectives: Stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation on implementation of SRC guidelines, and sensitization of staff on the Commission’s mandate.
She emphasised SRC’s constitutional mandate under Article 230 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), explaining that the Commission was responsible for setting and reviewing salaries, allowances, and benefits for all public officers.
“It’s a huge task, because it requires so much balance. Everybody out there desires better remuneration. And indeed, so many deserve better remuneration.”
She also raised concerns about ballooning wage bill in universities. “As you are all aware, the public service wage bill has been rising over the years. We are held accountable by the Public Finance Act, Management Act, which provides that we must not have more than 35% wage bill to the revenue ratio.”
“A lot of the institutions particularly universities are way above the 35% wage bill to the revenue ratio, some institutions are at 50%, some at 70%. That is why we are here, to discuss some of these issues.”
The Vice-Chairperson also acknowledged the industrial unrest experienced in universities last year, stating that the commission was happy to have had the matters resolved.
The session concluded with an open forum, that gave the staff the opportunity to seek clarification and contribute to ongoing discussions on sustainable remuneration in Kenya’s higher education sector.