Kingi vouches for his brother after being sworn in as SRC commissioner
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 1, 2025Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi has witnessed the swearing-in of his brother, Michael Thoya Kingi, as a Commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The ceremony was held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Monday, December 1, 2025, and officiated by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Justice Martha Koome.
The swearing-in follows President William Ruto’s formal appointment of Kingi to the SRC in a Gazette Notice published on November 14, 2025. The notice confirmed that he would serve a six-year term under the constitutional provisions of Articles 230 and 250, as well as the procedure outlined in the SRC Act of 2011.
Thoya Kingi previously told MPs during his vetting that, despite being the Senate Speaker’s brother, he intends to carry out his mandate independently and without political influence.
In a post on X, Speaker Kingi expressed pride in his brother’s appointment and confidence in his ability to serve the nation.
“This morning at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, I witnessed the swearing-in of Eng. Michael Thoya Kingi as a Commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), an event officiated by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Hon. Justice Martha Koome,” he wrote.
“Article 230 of our Constitution establishes the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, comprising a Chairperson and twelve members, whose mandate is to set and regularly review remuneration and benefits for all State officers,” the Speaker said.
Speaker Kingi wished his brother well in his new role, adding that he had full confidence in the commission’s ability to perform its duties.
“I wish Hon. Kingi well in his new designation, and express utmost confidence that the commission will continue to discharge its constitutional mandate boldly, transparently, and accountably,” he said.
Koome outlines key duties
The Judiciary confirmed the swearing-in in a statement posted on X. It noted that Chief Justice Koome emphasised the weight of the responsibilities that come with joining the SRC.
She said commissioners are tasked with advancing Article 230 of the Constitution, ensuring a fiscally sustainable wage bill, attracting and retaining talent in the public sector, and promoting productivity and performance through fair remuneration.
“She added that as part of a governance-enhancing institution, the new Commissioner is called to uphold independence, transparency, impartiality, and accountability in delivering SRC’s mandate,” the Judiciary statement read.
Michael Kingi Thoya joins a commission that guides the country’s public wage policy and advises both national and county governments on remuneration for state officers.
He becomes part of a team that includes Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony and fellow commissioners Mohamed Aden Abdi, Jane Gatakaa Njage, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Martin Kizito Ong’onyi, Gilda Odera, Geoffrey Apollo Omondi, and Leonid Ashindu.
Before joining the SRC, Kingi, an engineer by profession, served as the Member of Parliament for Magarini Constituency from 2017 to 2022. His appointment drew some scrutiny during his vetting due to his family ties to the Senate Speaker, but he assured MPs that he is not affiliated with any political party and would execute his duties impartially.
Lawmakers also questioned him on issues such as the SRC’s role in tackling payroll irregularities, including ghost workers, after reports indicated that Kenya may have lost at least Ksh9 billion in recent years. Kingi pledged to prioritise transparency and support enhanced digital integration of public payroll systems.