The Kenyan government is finalizing a significant salary increment for civil servants starting July 1, 2026. This decision comes amid rising inflation and budget constraints affecting public service wages.
Geoffrey Ruku, a representative from the Kenya Union of Civil Servants, stated, “There will be another salary increase in July this year.” The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) aims to address the ongoing cost of living crisis faced by over 300,000 civil servants.
The upcoming salary increment follows a previous pay rise in January 2026, which was backdated to July 2025. The CBA will cover the remuneration review cycle from 2025/2026 to 2028/2029.
Negotiations are ongoing regarding the structure of the salary increment. Officials are discussing whether it will be paid as a lump sum or in phased installments over four years. Ruku emphasized that the Ministry is liaising with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to finalize and sign the CBA.
The new salary structure will include adjustments to basic salaries and leave allowances for civil servants across all grades. The maximum basic salary for civil servants in higher grades (CSG4) is set at Ksh396130, while the minimum will be Ksh185690. Additionally, house allowances for civil servants in Nairobi may reach up to Ksh140600.
This pay rise is expected to offer relief to public servants amid the rising cost of living. Ruku noted, “The upcoming CBA will set the framework for salary reviews and benefits for thousands of public servants nationwide.”
As discussions continue, details on the exact implementation structure of the salary increment are still being negotiated. The government has held several meetings with union representatives to ensure that civil servants receive fair compensation.
