Ruto Orders Salary Increase for All Civil Servants as Government Pushes Payroll Reforms
The announcement was made by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during the Public Service Week celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, June 23, where he revealed that the government had approved adjustments to both salaries and key allowances for all public servants.
“President William Ruto and his government are increasing the salaries of all public servants in July this year. It will be gross pay, housing allowance, and commuter allowance, which will be increased once more in July this year,” Ruku announced.
The salary review comes at a time when public servants have been grappling with the rising cost of living, inflationary pressures, and increasing household expenses. Labour experts have long argued that periodic salary reviews are necessary to maintain the purchasing power of government employees and ensure the public service remains competitive in attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
Thousands of Public Workers Expected to Benefit
The latest pay adjustment is expected to benefit workers across the public sector, including administrative officers, technical staff, healthcare workers, support personnel, and employees in various state agencies.
Analysts note that the move could provide financial relief to many households that depend on public sector employment while also stimulating economic activity through increased consumer spending.
While details regarding the exact percentage increase are yet to be released, the government’s commitment to reviewing both basic salaries and allowances suggests a comprehensive approach to employee remuneration.
Government Orders Full Migration to HRIS Payroll System
Beyond the salary announcement, the government unveiled a major payroll reform initiative designed to improve accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the directive applies to all ministries, state departments, state corporations, government agencies, and county governments.
“To ensure efficiency and proper use of public resources and taxes, the President has directed that all ministries, county governments, agencies, and state departments must be on one payroll platform, the Human Resource Information System,” Ruku stated.
The HRIS platform is expected to enhance payroll management, eliminate duplication, improve employee records management, and strengthen oversight of public expenditure.
Warning to Non-Compliant Institutions
In a strong warning, the Cabinet Secretary said institutions that fail to comply with the directive within one month could face serious consequences.
“All departments that will not have complied within one month will not remit your salaries,” he warned.
Part of Ongoing Public Service Reforms
The latest announcement builds on reforms already initiated by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), which earlier approved the first phase of the 2025–2029 public service remuneration review cycle.
That review saw civil servants receive salary and allowance adjustments backdated to July 1, 2025, with SRC indicating that implementation would occur in phases to balance employee welfare and fiscal sustainability.
The announcement signals the administration’s continued focus on public service reforms, employee welfare, and modernization of government systems as it seeks to enhance efficiency and accountability across state institutions.
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Ruto Orders Salary Increase for All Civil Servants as Government Pushes Payroll Reforms
