Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday presided over the swearing-in of Engineer Michael Kingi Thoya as the newest commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), ushering him into a six-year term at a time when debates on Kenya’s public wage bill remain highly charged.
Kingi replaces Dr. Anne Rwamba Gitau, whose term ended on June 30, 2025. The oath was administered by Hon. Esther Nyaiyaki, Registrar in the Office of the Chief Registrar.
Koome emphasized that the position carries significant national responsibility, noting that the SRC plays a central role in ensuring fair remuneration, attracting talent into the public sector, and maintaining a fiscally sustainable wage bill.
“With the role comes the duty of advancing Article 230 of the Constitution while upholding independence, transparency, impartiality, and accountability,” she told the new commissioner.
The SRC, established under Article 230 of the 2010 Constitution, comprises a chairperson and twelve members tasked with setting and reviewing the pay and benefits of State officers, while advising both national and county governments on remuneration for public officers.
Engineer Kingi, a civil engineer by training, brings decades of experience in governance, infrastructure, and public oversight. Before joining the SRC, he served as Magarini MP between 2017 and 2022 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), sitting on key committees including Public Accounts, Implementation, and Public Investments.
His earlier career spans leadership roles in water and sanitation, including Managing Director of the Malindi Water and Sewerage Company.
Members of the Judicial Service Commission and the SRC attended the ceremony, marking the start of Kingi’s tenure as he joins a commission expected to steer Kenya’s wage management agenda through a challenging economic period.
, ushering him into a six-year term at a time when debates on Kenya’s public wage bill remain highly charged.){kind=link}