Head of Public Service Felix Koskei blasts independent commissions for high salaries, poor service delivery
Koskei said many independent offices have neglected their core responsibilities under the guise of independence, despite being heavily funded by taxpayers.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has criticised a section of independent commissions established under Chapter 15 of the Constitution for drawing huge salaries while failing to deliver on their mandates, accusing them of hiding behind claims of autonomy instead of serving Kenyans effectively.
Speaking during the launch of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Strategic Plan 2025/26–2029/30 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Koskei said many independent offices have neglected their core responsibilities under the guise of independence, despite being heavily funded by taxpayers.
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“The constitutional mandate allows you to be independent, but if you are not performing, you cannot just throw the word ‘independent’ around,” he said.
Koskei noted that some officials spend too much time defending their autonomy rather than focusing on their constitutional duties.
“I know it is controversial, but you find that 80 per cent of their time is spent reminding people that they are independent,” he said.
“They have not even sat and unpacked the constitutional mandate they were given so that they can clearly state to what extent they are independent.”
Koskei further cautioned against the infiltration of politics into state institutions, saying it undermines professionalism and the functioning of key organs of government.
“Politics is a no-go in public service. We need to draw a line so that we protect the institutions that are pillars of the nation,” he said.
“We need to draw a line in the executive, in the judiciary, and in commissions so that we protect institutions that continuously drive the development of the country in a manner that follows a clear trajectory.”
During the event, Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development Dr Jane Kere Imbunya commended the SRC for the notable milestones achieved during her five months in office, citing among them the recent salary adjustments for the uniformed services.
She underscored the importance of ensuring that the Commission’s programmes remain impactful, measurable, and time-bound to promote equity and sustainable management of the national wage bill.
SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony said the launch of the new strategic plan marked a milestone in efforts to create a fair, transparent, and sustainable remuneration framework for Kenya’s public service.
The event was also attended by Supreme Court Judge Justice William Ouko, chairs of constitutional commissions and independent offices, the SRC Board, and senior government officials.
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