Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday, December 1, 2025, swore in Engineer Michael Kingi Thoya as the newest member of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), marking the start of his six-year term at the powerful pay-setting body.
Eng. Kingi steps into the position previously held by Dr. Anne Rwamba Gitau, whose term ended in June. His oath was administered by Hon. Esther Nyaiyaki, the Registrar in the Office of the Chief Registrar.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, Chief Justice Koome reminded the new Commissioner that he joins SRC at a time when the country continues to debate the size of the public wage bill and the need for fair, transparent pay across government.
“This office carries the responsibility of advancing Article 230 of the Constitution keeping the wage bill sustainable, helping the public sector attract talent, and promoting productivity through fair remuneration,” Koome said.
She also noted that the SRC plays a major role in strengthening governance, urging Eng. Kingi to uphold independence, transparency, and accountability as he settles into the role.
The SRC, created under Article 230 of the Constitution, is responsible for setting and reviewing pay for State officers and advising both levels of government on remuneration for public servants. Its decisions affect thousands of workers across ministries, counties, and independent institutions.
Eng. Kingi brings both engineering and political experience to the Commission.
He served as Magarini MP between 2017 and 2022 under ODM and previously held leadership roles in the water and sanitation sector, including as Managing Director of Malindi Water and Sewerage Company.
He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from JKUAT and a diploma from the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT). In Parliament, he sat on several oversight committees, among them Public Accounts, Implementation, and Public Investments.
With his entry into SRC, Eng. Kingi is expected to play a central role in ongoing debates about salary harmonisation, public-sector motivation, and managing Kenya’s wage bill.
