The Judiciary has announced the swearing-in of Michael Kingi Thoya as the newest commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), marking a significant addition to the team tasked with steering Kenya’s public wage policy. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court on Monday.

In its statement posted on X on Monday, December 1, 2025, the Judiciary said the Chief Justice highlighted the weight of the responsibility that comes with joining the SRC.

“Chief Justice Martha Koome has today sworn in Michael Kingi Thoya as a Commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). She noted that with the role comes the responsibility of advancing Article 230 of the Constitution, ensuring a fiscally sustainable wage bill, attracting and retaining talent in the public sector, promoting productivity and performance through fair remuneration,” the statement reads.

The Judiciary added that the Chief Justice also emphasised the ethical expectations placed on the new commissioner.

“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 statement continues.

Thoya joins the commission at a time when Kenya continues to navigate tough conversations around the ballooning public wage bill, productivity in the civil service, and the broader question of equitable compensation across state and public offices. His appointment adds to the team of 12 members who, alongside the chairperson, guide the country’s remuneration architecture.

In outlining the legal framework behind SRC, the Judiciary noted.

“Article 230 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 establishes the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, comprising a Chairperson and twelve (12) members drawn from various bodies,” the statement reads

The commission’s mandate remains central to government efforts to manage costs while keeping public service competitive.

According to the Judiciary, the mandate of the SRC is to lay and review the remuneration and benefits of all the state officers and advise the government on the same.

“The core mandate of the Commission is to set and regularly review the remuneration and benefits of all State officers and to advise the national and county governments on the remuneration and benefits of all public officers.”

The oath of office was administered by Esther Nyaiyaki from the Office of the Chief Registrar.

EnThoya is expected to begin his tenure immediately, stepping into a sensitive role that directly shapes public expenditure and influences the morale and performance of thousands of workers across government.