Civil servants challenge SRC salary freeze in court

The Union of Kenya Civil Servants has filed a lawsuit against the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), contesting the decision to freeze salary increments for its members.

The union argues that the SRC's decision violates its members' right to a pay raise and is now seeking a court order to temporarily block the move as their application is reviewed.

“Our members and low and middle-level employees, and hence any salary cut or delay in any manner, is likely to financially affect them greatly in regard to their daily survival,” the union said.

The union further claims that salary negotiations were set to be implemented in two stages. The first stage was intended to cover the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, while the second stage was to extend from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

On July 18, SRC announced the suspension of salary reviews for public servants for the 2024-25 financial year. The Commission attributed the decision to fiscal constraints and budget cuts following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024.

SRC said the withdrawal of the Bill adversely affected the budget allocation for salary increases and other remuneration adjustments.

Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) chairperson Lyn Mengich, addresses the media at a past press conference. (Photo: SRC)

It added that the current salary structures remain within the available budget, with no additional funds allocated for implementing job evaluation results.

SRC further noted that the salary review freeze will remain in effect until further notice, pending the availability of funding and advice from the National Treasury.

In response to the delayed implementation of the salary review in the financial year 2024/2025, the Commission urged public service institutions with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) to engage the relevant trade unions.

On Monday, the civil servants issued a seven-day strike notice over the government's failure to honour their CBA agreement.

They decried that the second phase of the CBA, which was to be implemented in July, is yet to be honoured. They warned that they will down tools at the end of September if their grievances are addressed.