Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act

Cap. 412D

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Cap. 412D
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LAWS OF KENYA

SALARIES AND REMUNERATION COMMISSION ACT

CAP. 412D

  • Published in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXIII—No. 76 on 5 August 2011
  • Assented to on 27 July 2011
  • Commenced on 29 July 2011
  1. [Amended by Finance Act, 2012 (Act No. 57 of 2012) on 4 May 2012]
  2. [Amended by Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2018 (Act No. 4 of 2018) on 21 May 2018]
  3. [Revised by 24th Annual Supplement (Legal Notice 221 of 2023) on 31 December 2022]
  4. [Amended by Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No. 19 of 2023) on 11 December 2023]
An Act of Parliament to make further provision as to the functions and powers of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the qualifications and procedures for the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Commission, and for connected purposes

Part I – PRELIMINARY

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act.

2. Interpretation

(1)In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—"Cabinet Secretary" means the Cabinet Secretary for the time being responsible for matters relating to finance;"Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Commission appointed under the Constitution, in accordance with the procedure set out in section 4;"Commission" means the Salaries and Remuneration Commission established by Article 230 of the Constitution;"public officer" means a person holding a public office as defined in the Constitution;"salary and remuneration" includes the ordinary, basic or minimum wage or pay and any additional emoluments and benefits whatsoever payable, directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind, by an employer to an employee and arising out of the employment of that employee;"secretary" means the secretary to the Commission appointed by the Commission under Article 250(12) of the Constitution, in accordance with the procedure set out in section 16;"State Officer" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Constitution.
(2)spent

Part II – COMPOSITION AND ADMINISTRATION

3. Powers of the Commission as a body corporate

In addition to the powers of the Commission under article 253 of the Constitution, the Commission shall have the power to—
(a)acquire, hold, charge and dispose of movable and immovable property; and
(b)do or perform all such other things or acts for the proper discharge of its functions under the Constitution and this Act as may lawfully be done or performed by a body corporate.

4. Appointment of Chairperson and members

(1)The Chairperson and other members of the Commission shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Article 230 of the Constitution and this Act.
(2)The member of the Commission under Article 230 (2)(c)(iii) of the Constitution shall be nominated by a joint forum of professional bodies represented by the Association of Professional Societies of East Africa.
(3)The Chairperson and members other than those appointed under Article 230 (2)(d) shall serve on a full time basis for a non-renewable term of six years.[Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.]

5. Qualification for appointment of Chairperson and members

(1)A person shall be qualified for appointment as the Chairperson if such person—
(a)holds a degree from a university recognized in Kenya;
(b)has knowledge and at least ten years’ experience in matters relating to either—
(i)public management;
(ii)finance and administration;
(iii)human resource management;
(iv)economics; or
(v)labour laws;
(c)has knowledge of labour market trends in Kenya as relates to income in the public and private sector;
(d)meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution; and
(e)has had a distinguished career in their respective fields.
(2)A person shall be qualified for appointment as a member if the person—
(a)holds a degree from a university recognized in Kenya;
(b)has knowledge and at least ten years’ experience in either—
(i)finance and administration;
(ii)public management;
(iii)economics;
(iv)human resource management; or
(v)labour laws;
(c)meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution; and
(d)has had a distinguished career in their respective fields.
(3)A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairperson or a member if the person—
(a)is a member of Parliament or County Assembly;
(b)is a member of a governing body of a political party;
(c)is a member of a local authority;
(d)is an undischarged bankrupt; or
(e)has been removed from office for contravening the provisions of the Constitution or any other law.

6. Nomination of members

(1)Every nominating body under Article 230(2)(b) and (c) of the Constitution shall nominate its representative to the Commission in a competitive and transparent manner in accordance with section 7.
(2)A person shall not be qualified for nomination under Article 230 (2)(d) or (e) of the Constitution unless such person holds the qualifications specified in section 5(2).

7. Procedure for nominations

(1)Within fourteen days of the commencement of this Act, or of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Commission relating to the members under Article 230(2)(b) and (c) of the Constitution, the relevant nominating body shall, by advertisement in at least two local daily newspapers of national circulation, invite applications from persons who qualify for nomination under the Constitution and this Act for nomination as a member of the Commission.
(2)The relevant nominating body shall consider the applications received under subsection (1) to determine their compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and this Act, interview the applicants and forward the names of two persons so qualified, who shall be of opposite gender, to the Cabinet Secretary for onward transmission to the President.
(3)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(4)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(5)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(6)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(7)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(8)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(9)Deleted by Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.
(10)The President shall, within seven days of receipt of the names forwarded under subsection (2) nominate the members of the Commission from each category and forward the names of the nominees, together with the name of his nominee for Chairperson of the Commission, to the National Assembly.
(11)The National Assembly shall, within fourteen days of the day it next sits after receipt of the names of the nominees under subsection (9), consider all nominations and may approve or reject any nomination.
(12)Where the National Assembly approves the nominees, the Speaker shall forward the names of the approved nominees to the President for appointment.
(13)The President shall, within seven days of the receipt of the approved nominees from the National Assembly, by notice in the Gazette, appoint the chairperson and members approved by the National Assembly.
(14)Where the National Assembly rejects any nomination, the Speaker shall communicate the decision to the President to submit fresh nominations.
(15)In appointing members under this section, the President shall observe the principle of gender equity, regional and ethnic balance and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and shall ensure that at least one-third of the members are of either gender.[Act No. 4 of 2018, Sch.]

8. Oath of office

The chairperson, members and secretary shall each make and subscribe before the Chief Justice to the oath or affirmation set out in the First Schedule.

9. Vacancy in office of Chairperson or member

(1)The office of the Chairperson or a member of the Commission shall become vacant if the holder—
(a)dies;
(b)by notice in writing addressed to the President resigns from office;
(c)is removed from office under any of the circumstances specified in Article 251 and Chapter Six of the Constitution.
(2)The President shall notify every resignation, vacancy or termination in the Gazette within fourteen days.

10. Filling of vacancy

(1)Where a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Commission under section 9, the appointment procedure provided for under the Constitution and this Act, shall apply.
(2)A member appointed under subsection (1) shall serve for a term of six years but shall not be eligible for reappointment.

11. Functions of the Commission

In addition to the powers and functions of the Commission under Article 230 (4), the Commission shall—
(a)inquire into and advise on the salaries and remuneration to be paid out of public funds;
(b)keep under review all matters relating to the salaries and remuneration of public officers;
(c)advise the national and county governments on the harmonization, equity and fairness of remuneration for the attraction and retention of requisite skills in the public sector;
(d)conduct comparative surveys on the labour markets and trends in remuneration to determine the monetary worth of the jobs of public offices;
(e)determine the cycle of salaries and remuneration review upon which Parliament may allocate adequate funds for implementation;
(f)make recommendations on matters relating to the salary and remuneration of a particular State or public officer;
(g)make recommendations on the review of pensions payable to holders of public offices; and
(h)perform such other functions as may be provided for by the Constitution or any other written law.

12. Guiding principles for the Commission

(1)In addition to the principles set under Article 230(5) of the Constitution, the Commission shall also be guided by the principle of equal remuneration to persons for work of equal value.
(2)Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Commission shall take into account the recommendations of previous commissions established to inquire into the matter of remuneration in the public service.

13. Powers of the Commission

(1)The Commission shall have all powers generally necessary for the execution of its functions under the Constitution and this Act, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Commission shall have powers to—
(a)gather, by any means appropriate, any information it considers relevant, including requisition of reports, records, documents or any information from any source, including governmental authorities;
(b)interview any individual, group or members of organizations or institutions and, at the Commission's discretion, conduct such interviews;
(c)hold inquiries for the purposes of performing its functions under this Act;
(d)take any measures it considers necessary to ensure that in the harmonization of salaries and remuneration, equity and fairness is achieved in the public sector.
(2)In the performance of its functions, the Commission—
(a)may inform itself in such manner as it thinks fit;
(b)may receive written or oral statements from any person, governmental or non-governmental agency; and
(c)shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence.

14. Committees of the Commission

(1)The Commission may, from time to time, establish committees for the effective discharge of its functions.
(2)The Commission may co-opt into the membership of the committees established under subsection (1) persons whose knowledge and skills are considered necessary for the functions of the Commission.

15. Procedures of the Commission

(1)The business and affairs of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Second Schedule.
(2)Except as provided in the Second Schedule, the Commission may regulate its own procedure.
(3)The Commission may invite any person to attend any of its meetings and to participate in its deliberations, but such person shall not have a vote in any decision of the Commission.

16. Appointment of secretary of the Commission

(1)The appointment of the secretary to the Commission under Article 250 (12) of the Constitution shall be through a competitive recruitment process and the prior approval of the National Assembly.
(2)A person shall be qualified for appointment under subsection (1) if such person—
(a)is a citizen of Kenya;
(b)holds a degree from a university recognized in Kenya;
(c)has at least ten years’ experience in human resource management, financial management or public management; and
(d)meets the requirements of leadership and integrity set out in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
(3)As the chief executive officer, the secretary shall be responsible to the Commission for—
(a)the implementation of functions of the Commission;
(b)the formation and development of an efficient administration; and
(c)the organization, control and management of staff.

17. Removal of secretary

(1)The secretary may be removed from office by the Commission, in accordance with the terms and conditions of service, for—
(a)inability to perform the functions of the office arising out of physical or mental incapacity;
(b)gross misconduct or misbehaviour;
(c)incompetence or negligence of duty; or
(d)any other ground that would justify removal from office under the terms and conditions of service.
(2)Before the secretary is removed under subsection (1), the secretary shall be given an opportunity to defend himself or herself against any allegations against him or her.

18. Secondment of staff

(1)In addition to the staff appointed by the Commission under Article 252(1) (c) of the Constitution, the Government may, upon the request by the Commission, second to the Commission such number of public officers as may be necessary for the purposes of the Commission.
(2)A public officer seconded to the Commission shall, during the period of secondment, be deemed to be an officer of the Commission and shall be subject only to the direction and control of the Commission.

19. The common seal of the Commission

(1)The common seal of the Commission shall be kept in such custody as the Commission shall direct and shall not be used except on the order of the Commission.
(2)The common seal of the Commission when affixed to a document and duly authenticated shall be judicially and officially noticed and unless the contrary is proved, any necessary order or authorization of the Commission under this section shall be presumed to have been duly given.

Part III – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

20. Funds of the Commission

(1)The funds of the Commission shall consist of—
(a)monies provided by Parliament for the purposes of the Commission;
(b)such monies or assets as may accrue to the Commission in the course of the exercise of its powers or the performance of its functions under this Act; and
(c)all monies from any other source provided or donated or lent to the Commission.
(2)The receipts, earnings or accruals of the Commission and the balances at the close of each financial year shall not be paid into the Consolidated Fund but shall be retained for purposes of this Act.

21. Financial year

The financial year of the Commission shall be the period of twelve months ending on the thirtieth of June in every year.

22. Annual estimates

(1)Before the commencement of each financial year, the Commission shall cause to be prepared estimates of the revenue and expenditure of the Commission for that year.
(2)The annual estimates shall make provision for all the estimated expenditure of the Commission for the financial year concerned and in particular, shall provide for the—
(a)payment of remuneration in respect of the members of the Commission;
(b)payment of salaries and remuneration in respect of staff of the Commission;
(c)payment of pensions, gratuities and other charges in respect of benefits which are payable out of the funds of the Commission;
(d)maintenance of the buildings and grounds of the Commission;
(e)funding of training, research and development of activities of the Commission; and
(f)creation of such funds to meet future or contingent liabilities in respect of benefits, insurance or replacement of buildings or installations, equipment and in respect of such other matters as the Commission may think fit.
(3)The annual estimates shall be approved by the Commission before the commencement of the financial year to which they relate and shall be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for tabling in the National Assembly.

23. Accounts and Audit

(1)The Commission shall cause to be kept all proper books and records of account of the income, expenditure, assets and liabilities of the Commission.
(2)Within a period of three months after the end of each financial year, the Commission shall submit to the Auditor General the accounts of the Commission in respect of that year together with—
(a)a statement of the income and expenditure of the Commission during that year; and
(b)statement of the assets and liabilities of the Commission on the last day of that financial year.
(3)The annual accounts of the Commission shall be prepared, audited and reported upon in accordance with the provisions of Articles 226 and 229 of the Constitution and the Public Audit Act (Cap. 412B).

Part IV – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

24. Report of the Commission

(1)The report of the Commission under Article 254 of the Constitution shall, in respect of the financial year to which it relates, contain—
(a)the financial statements of the Commission;
(b)a description of the activities of the Commission;
(c)such other statistical information as the Commission considers appropriate relating to the Commission’s functions; and
(d)any other information relating to its functions that the Commission considers necessary.
(1A)The Commission shall submit the annual report in subsection (1) to the President and Parliament within six months after the end of the year to which it relates.[Act No. 19 of 2023, Sch.]

25. Offences

A person who—
(a)without justification or lawful excuse, obstructs or hinders, or assaults or threatens a member or staff of the Commission acting under this Act;
(b)submits false or misleading information; or
(c)misrepresents to or knowingly misleads a member or staff of the Commission acting under this Act,
commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding three million shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both.

26. Regulations

(1)The Commission may make regulations generally for the better carrying into effect of any provisions of this Act.
(2)The power to make Regulations shall be exercised only after a draft of the proposed Regulations has been approved by the National Assembly.[Act No. 57 of 2012, s. 59.]

27. Code of conduct

The Commission shall develop a code of conduct for its members and staff.

28. Transitional and savings

Every person who immediately before the commencement of this Act was an employee of the Government attached to the former Permanent Public Service Remuneration Review Board shall, upon the commencement of this Act be given an option to serve in the Commission and if not appointed by the Commission, be redeployed in the Public Service.

FIRST SCHEDULE [s. 8]

OATH/AFFIRMATION OF THE OFFICE OF CHAIRPERSON/A MEMBER/SECRETARY

I .................................... having been appointed (the Chairperson to/member of/Secretary to) the Salaries and Remuneration Commission under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act (Cap. 412D), do swear/solemnly affirm that I will at all times obey, respect and uphold the Constitution of Kenya and all other laws of the Republic; that I will faithfully and fully, impartially and to the best of my knowledge and ability, perform the functions and exercise the powers devolving upon me by virtue of this appointment without fear, favour, bias, affection, ill-will or prejudice. (SO HELP ME GOD).Sworn/Declared by the said ..............................................Before me this .......................... day of .....................................................................Chief Justice.

SECOND SCHEDULE [s. 15]

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AND AFFAIRS OF THE COMMISSION

1.Meetings
(1)The Commission shall have at least four meetings in every financial year and not more than four months shall elapse between one meeting and the next meeting.
(2)Meetings shall be convened by the secretary in consultation with the Chairperson and shall be held at such times and such places as the Chairperson shall determine.
(3)Unless three quarters of the members otherwise agree, at least seven days’ notice of a meeting shall be given to every member.
(4)The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings and in the absence of the Chairperson, by a person elected by the Commission at the meeting for that purpose.
2.Conflict of interest
(1)If any person is present at a meeting of the Commission or any committee at which any matter is the subject of consideration and in which matter that person or that person’s spouse is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity, that person shall as soon as is practicable after the commencement of the meeting, declare such interest and shall not, unless the Commission or committee otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or discussion of, or vote on any question touching such matter.
(2)A disclosure of interest made under subparagraph (1) shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which it is made.
(3)A person who contravenes subparagraph (1) commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or to both.
(4)No member or staff of the Commission shall transact any business or trade with the Commission.
3.QuorumThe quorum of the meeting shall not be less than half of the appointed members with voting rights under Article 230 of the Constitution.
4.VotingA decision of the Commission shall be by a majority of the members present and voting and, in the case of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
5.MinutesMinutes of all meetings shall be kept and entered in records kept for that purpose.
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History of this document

11 December 2023 this version
31 December 2022
Read this version
21 May 2018
04 May 2012
Amended by Finance Act, 2012
Read this version
05 August 2011
Read this version
29 July 2011
Commenced
27 July 2011
Assented to

Cited documents 0

Documents citing this one 58

Judgment 34
1. Speaker of the National Assembly & another v Senate & 12 others (Civil Appeal E084 of 2021) [2021] KECA 282 (KLR) (19 November 2021) (Judgment) 16 citations
2. Sollo Nzuki v Salaries and Remuneration Commission, Judicial Service Commission & Attorney General (Petition 18 of 2018) [2019] KEHC 1511 (KLR) (18 December 2019) (Judgment) 15 citations
3. Okoiti & another v Public Service Commission & 73 others; Law Society of Kenya & another (Interested Parties) (Petition 33 & 42 of 2018 (Consolidated)) [2021] KEHC 464 (KLR) (Constitutional and Human Rights) (20 April 2021) (Judgment) 5 citations
4. Law Society of Kenya v Attorney General & 4 others (Petition 45 of 2019) [2023] KESC 19 (KLR) (31 March 2023) (Judgment) (with dissent - N Ndungu, SCJ) 2 citations
5. Matindi & 3 others v The National Assembly of Kenya & 4 others; Controller of Budget & 50 others (Interested Parties) (Petition E080, E084 & E150 of 2023 (Consolidated)) [2023] KEHC 19534 (KLR) (Constitutional and Human Rights) (3 July 2023) (Judgment) (with dissent - HI Ong'udi, J) 2 citations
6. Salaries and Remuneration Commission v National Hospital Insurance Fund, Management Board & 2 others (Civil Appeal 156 of 2016) [2024] KECA 419 (KLR) (26 April 2024) (Judgment) 2 citations
7. Kenya National Union of Nurse v Chairperson Salaries & Remuneration Commission, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health, Chairman Council of Governors, Chairperson Public Service Commission & Attorney General (Petition 51 of 2015) [2016] KEELRC 1614 (KLR) (Employment and Labour) (18 February 2016) (Judgment) 1 citation
8. Kenya Tea Growers Association & 97 others v Attorney General & 8 others; Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) & another (Interested Parties) (Petition 38, 34, 35, 49 & 50 of 2014 (Consolidated)) [2022] KEELRC 4124 (KLR) (19 September 2022) (Judgment) 1 citation
9. Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Education And Allied Workers (Kudhehia Workers) v Salaries and Renumeration Commission (Constitutional Application 294 of 2013) [2014] KEHC 8148 (KLR) (Constitutional and Human Rights) (25 July 2014) (Judgment) 1 citation
10. Parliamentary Service Commission v Salaries Remuneration Commission; Attorney General,Law Society of Kenya,Benson Mutura & Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (Interested parties) (Miscellaneous Application 686 of 2017) [2018] KEHC 9804 (KLR) (Civ) (10 December 2018) (Judgment) 1 citation
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Bill 4
1. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2018
2. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2020
3. The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2022
4. The Statute Law Miscellaneous Bill, 2014
Bench Bulletin 3
1. Bench Bulletin - Issue 41
2. Bench Bulletin - Issue 52
3. Bench Bulletin - Issue 53
Act 1
1. Kenya Defence Forces Act 138 citations

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