The National Assembly has approved the nomination of Sammy Chepkwony as the Chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). This marks a significant transition for the Commission following the end of Lynn Mengich’s six-year tenure in September 2023.
Chepkwony, a seasoned human resources expert with over three decades of experience, was among seven nominees vetted and approved during a special sitting of Parliament convened by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. The Departmental Committee on Labour, led by Chairperson Eric Muchangi, had recommended the approval of the appointments, which were endorsed by President William Ruto.
Other appointees to the Commission include Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Martin Kizito Ong’onyi, Mohamed Aden Abdi, Jane Gatakaa Njage, Dr. Gilda Odera, Dr. Geoffrey Apollo Omondi, and Leonid Ashindu. Together, this diverse team is expected to steer the SRC into its next phase of managing public sector wages and advising on remuneration matte
Sammy Chepkwony brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With a background spanning key leadership positions in organizations such as Kenya Airways, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Aga Khan University, and People Centric Management Limited, he is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the Commission’s strategic direction.
Chepkwony’s appointment comes at a time when the SRC faces critical challenges, including managing public expectations on wages and navigating a delicate balance between equitable remuneration and fiscal sustainability. His leadership will be instrumental in building on the work of his predecessor, Lynn Mengich.
Lynn Mengich served as the SRC Chairperson from 2018 to 2024, a period marked by significant reforms and occasional controversies. Under her tenure, the SRC implemented key policies aimed at streamlining public sector salaries while containing the ballooning wage bill. Her leadership also involved negotiations during contentious salary disputes, highlighting the delicate nature of the Commission’s mandate.
As Chepkwony assumes office, he will inherit the responsibility of advancing the SRC’s objectives, including fostering a sustainable public compensation framework, managing disputes effectively, and advising on salary structures to prevent economic strain.
The new team’s approval signals renewed focus and energy at the SRC, with the appointees bringing expertise in areas such as management, law, public policy, and financial strategy. The Commission’s role remains pivotal in maintaining a fair and balanced wage system, a task that directly affects the lives of public sector employees and the country’s economic health.
With their mandate officially sanctioned by Parliament, the Chairperson and his team are now set to hit the ground running. Stakeholders will be watching closely as they address key issues such as remuneration disparities and public wage sustainability, ensuring the SRC delivers on its promise of equity and accountability.
