SRC Calls Out Nation Over Story Of Civil Servants' House Allowances

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has dismissed a report by the Nation which claimed that civil servants would receive a pay rise after their house allowances were adjusted upwards.

In a statement dated Thursday, January 26, SRC argued that the story that was published in its newspaper and online platforms on Tuesday, January 24 had carried misrepresented and misreported information.

It went on to clarify that it has not issued any official communication on adjusting housing and hardship allowances nor has it abolished any allowances.

SRC chairperson, Lyn Mengich. /KENYA NEWS AGENCY

"The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) makes reference to a newspaper story published in the front and back pages of the Daily Nation on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, entitled, ‘Pay boost for civil servants after review of allowances’, and ‘Civil servants’ house allowance increased’, respectively. 

"SRC notes with concern the misrepresentation, misinformation, misreporting and misleading nature of the story published by the said newspaper. SRC would like to take this early opportunity to clarify that it has not issued any circular, in reference to this story, on housing and hardship allowances, or abolished any allowances," SRC stated in part.

Further, SRC expressed its dismay that the daily newspaper had attributed the commission as the source of a purported circular that fed into the story, yet it did not issue a circular on the said matter.

SRC further expressed its regret that public service institutions and other interested parties have been misled and misguided by the story, and in some cases, it has created false expectations and other unintended consequences. 

"The public service and stakeholders are hereby advised to ignore the story, including a table that purports to confer rates and consider the story as grossly false and unfortunate. 

"SRC respects the role that the media plays in reporting on matters of public interest. However, the media is encouraged to exercise responsible journalism. SRC is always open to respond to requests for clarification or information," it added.

The Nation had reported that the new rates were to see Nairobi-based civil servants in job group K, for example, receive a Ksh16,500 house allowance per month up, from Ksh10,000.