MPs reject proposal to have SRC commissioners work part-time

A parliamentary committee has rejected a proposal to make commissioners of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) part-time, stating that the nature of their work requires a full-time commitment to effectively manage the public sector wage bill and execute their mandate.

The proposal, stemming from a Bill sponsored by Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, suggests making the SRC chairperson and commissioners part-time and limiting their meetings to 15 per financial year, down from the current minimum of four.

The National Assembly's Labour Committee, in its report tabled in Parliament, turned down the proposal emphasising that the work of SRC commissioners is continuous and requires full-time dedication. The committee argued that the ongoing need to address the ballooning public sector wage bill demands consistent and focused efforts.

"The work of the commissioners requires their full-time attention and energy to effectively execute their mandate," reads the report.

The committee also pointed out that most independent and constitutional commissions have full-time chairpersons and commissioners, with only a few exceptions, such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

"The committee, having considered the Bill and stakeholder submissions, and having made the above observations, recommends that the House rejects the Bill in its entirety," reads the report.

The report will now be debated by the full House, which can either adopt the committee’s recommendations or proceed with the Bill.

Barasa's Bill argues that the SRC’s functions, which include advising national and county governments on the remuneration and benefits of public officers, are occasional and do not require full-time commissioners.

Operational costs

According to Barasa, the commission’s operational costs could be reduced by limiting the terms of commissioners to part-time.

"The commission’s functions on setting and reviewing remuneration and benefits are occasional. Therefore, the Bill seeks to reduce operational costs associated with the commission’s full-term operation," reads the draft Bill.

Barasa also argued that the first SRC commissioners, under the leadership of Sarah Serem, established the necessary systems for the commission, suggesting that subsequent commissioners do not need to work full-time.

The SRC currently operates with 14 members serving six-year fixed-term contracts. Commissioners receive a range of benefits, including end-of-service gratuity, security provided by the National Police Service, and substantial monthly remuneration.

The chairperson earns Sh765,000, while the vice-chairperson and other members receive Sh650,000 each. Additionally, commissioners benefit from official transport, medical cover, and allowances for both domestic and international travel.

An analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office suggested that making the SRC part-time could save Sh767 million annually or Sh4.6 billion over six years.

The office also indicated that the change could reduce conflicts of interest between the commission and the secretariat, potentially leading to a more stable working environment.

However, the SRC opposed the Bill, arguing that switching to part-time commissioners would hinder the commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate effectively.

"The benefits of allowing the commission to operate optimally by retaining the current status, allowing the chairperson and members to continue serving on a full-time basis, outweigh any operational cost savings," the SRC told MPs.

The commission warned that the proposed changes would severely affect its efficiency and operations.