By the 254.ke Newsroom.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has suspended, with immediate effect, the newly reviewed pay and benefits structures for senior county officials, saying most counties spend more than 35 percent of their ordinary revenue on wages. The decision, contained in a letter dated September 11, 2026, and reported on September 30, puts on hold a review that was due to take effect in July 2026.
It affects state officers in county executives, members of County Public Service Boards, County Secretaries and County Attorneys. SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony said the commission “resolved to suspend, with immediate effect, the implementation of the remuneration and benefits structures for County Governments.”
What exactly has the SRC suspended?
The suspension covers the revised remuneration and benefits structures under the commission’s fourth review cycle, which spans the 2025/2026 to 2028/2029 financial years. Officials in the affected offices stay on their current terms until the commission says otherwise.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who decided | Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) |
| Date of letter | September 11, 2026 |
| Who is affected | County executive state officers, County Public Service Board members, County Secretaries, County Attorneys |
| Reason cited | Most counties’ wage bills exceed 35% of ordinary revenue |
| Original start | July 2026 |
| Status | On hold pending talks |
Why did the SRC suspend the new pay structures?
The commission said the financial position of county governments is not compatible with implementing the new structures. In its letter it pointed to “the majority of county governments” having a wage bill-to-ordinary-revenue ratio above 35 percent, and to the principle of fiscal sustainability under Article 201 of the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act.
County pay bills have been under pressure for months. Several counties have delayed staff salaries, a problem this site has covered in Nairobi’s delayed July salaries and in Trans Nzoia’s wage bill crisis.
Who opposes the suspension?
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has criticised the move. Secretary General Davji Atella argued that fiscal responsibility should not be applied “selectively” to devolved workers, and called for transparent consultations involving the national government, county authorities and affected workers. The union has asked for the suspension to be reversed.
What happens next?
The SRC says it will engage the Council of Governors, the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the National Treasury to address the financial implications before any implementation goes ahead. No new date has been announced. The wider question of how counties spend public money is also before senators; see Senate panel flags corruption in county finances.
The commission’s mandate and published circulars are on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission website.
FAQ: SRC suspension of county officials’ pay
Are county officials’ salaries being cut?
No. Based on the reports, the SRC has suspended the implementation of new, reviewed pay and benefits structures. Existing terms are not described as being reduced.
Does this cover all county workers?
No. It applies to state officers in county executives, County Public Service Board members, County Secretaries and County Attorneys. Health workers and other staff are not the subject of the SRC letter, though their union has objected.
Why 35 percent?
The SRC cited the wage bill-to-ordinary-revenue ratio, noting that most counties are above 35 percent.
When will the new structures take effect?
Not yet known. The commission says it will consult the Council of Governors, the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the National Treasury first.
Sources: Kenyans.co.ke, The Kenya Times and Kenya Today reports, September 30, 2026.
