Relief for civil servants as Gov’t approves salary review backdated to July 2025

The government has approved a comprehensive salary review for civil servants that includes enhanced commuter and housing allowances, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced Sunday.

The review, which covers adjustments to basic pay and key allowances, will be backdated to July 2025, meaning civil servants will receive arrears for the past six months.

"Government has reviewed the salary of civil servants including commuter and housing allowances and backdated to July 2025," CS Ruku stated.

The announcement brings relief to thousands of public sector workers who have long pressed for better compensation amid rising living costs.

Commuter and housing allowances have been particular pain points, with many civil servants arguing that current rates fail to reflect the true cost of transport and accommodation, especially in urban centers like Nairobi where rents have climbed steadily.

CS Ruku confirmed that the relevant oversight bodies such as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) have been formally notified of the decision.

The involvement of both institutions is crucial for implementation. The SRC sets and reviews remuneration for all state officers and public servants, while the PSC oversees the administration of the civil service.

With both bodies now informed, the process of effecting the changes and calculating arrears can begin.

The backdating to July means civil servants can expect lump sum payments covering the months their salaries should have reflected the new rates. For many, this will provide a significant financial boost as the year begins.

The announcement comes as the government seeks to balance fiscal discipline with the need to maintain morale within the public service.

Civil servants play essential roles across health, education, security, and administration, and competitive compensation is key to attracting and retaining talent.