A section of civil servants has now come out demanding a salary increase, saying the rising cost of living is making life harder.
Workers from 19 constitutional commissions and independent offices are asking for a pay rise of up to 50 per cent for lower-paid staff and 20 per cent for those in higher job groups.
The workers, through their union, the Kenya Independent Commissions Workers Union (KICOWU), have given the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) 14 days to respond and open talks.
In a letter dated 16th April, the union stated that the salary increment should be effective from July 1, 2026.
They argue that they have not been subjected to a salary increment despite the prices of goods being on the rise.
Those represented belong to critical departments including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Teachers Service Commission (TSC), National Lands Commission and Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
From the union, it was pointed out that the workers in some of the departments listed above are the ones who have suffered greatly and therefore require immediate help.
Apart from salaries, the union is also pushing for higher house allowances, better commuter allowances and improved medical cover.
They want inpatient cover increased to up to KSh 4 million for some workers, and KSh 3 million for others. The proposal also includes mental health support, counselling and employee welfare programmes.
The union is also seeking modifications in how leave allowance is made, whereby employees will get money equivalent to their basic salary in one month.
In terms of working conditions, the union is advocating for the payment of better overtime pay for work done during weekends and holidays.
It is also demanding improved safety at work, where employees will be allowed to refuse to perform dangerous assignments without being intimidated.
The union claims that it will now wait for SRC to react within fourteen days to start negotiations on the new contract.