The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has approved a revised basic salary structure and a new leave allowance for national government civil servants, to take effect from 1st July 2025. The Phase I changes form part of the fourth remuneration and benefits review cycle (2025/2026–2028/2029) and carry an estimated cost of Ksh 2,065,701,510 for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Key Takeaways
- Effective date: Changes implemented from 1st July 2025 (Phase I).
- Scope: Review covers basic salary and leave allowance for national government civil servants.
- Cost: Approx. Ksh 2,065,701,510 for FY 2025/2026.
- Salary Market Adjustment (SMA): Several allowances consolidated into SMA to reflect market positioning.
- Unionizable staff: Their salary structure will be determined through collective bargaining negotiations.
Civil service basic salary 2025 — What the SRC circular says
The circular (Ref. No. SRC/TS/24/1 VOL.II (32), dated 19th December 2025) instructs that the approved basic salary and leave allowance be implemented for Phase I of the fourth remuneration review cycle. The decision follows formal correspondence and negotiation guidelines issued by the State Department of Public Service and Human Capital Development.
The SRC highlights the consolidation of some earlier allowances into a single Salary Market Adjustment (SMA). This is described as a salary modification designed to align remuneration with market positioning and constitutional and statutory principles guiding pay reviews.
Implementation notes and allowance clusters
- House allowance clusters:
- Cluster 1: Nairobi City
- Cluster 2: Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru cities; Nyeri, Thika, Kisii, Malindi and Kitale municipalities
- Cluster 3: All other areas
- SMA consolidation: Entertainment, extraneous and domestic service allowances have been merged into the SMA.
- Unionizable staff: Salaries for unionizable cadres will be implemented through collective bargaining processes.
- Phase timing: The circular reiterates that Phase I changes start on 1st July 2025.
What this means for teachers and other civil servants
Teachers and public officers should expect adjustments to their monthly pay as the new basic salary bands and leave allowance are applied. Employers across national government departments will need to update payroll systems and communicate the changes to staff. Where staff are part of unions or collective bargaining groups, further negotiation may affect how the final figures are phased in.
Key practical outcomes to watch for:
- Payroll updates and possible retroactive payments for the period from 1st July 2025.
- Clarification on how the SMA affects previously separate allowances.
- Guidance from human resource departments on classification into house allowance clusters.
How to prepare and next steps for affected staff
If you are a teacher or civil servant affected by the changes, prepare by checking with your human resources office for the following:
- Confirmation of your new basic salary band and leave allowance.
- Which house allowance cluster applies to your duty station.
- Expected timelines for payroll implementation and any retroactive payments.
Keep documented copies of circulars and official memos. If you are a union member, follow updates from your negotiating representatives about the collective bargaining process for unionizable staff.
Where to find supporting resources
Teachers and school administrators may also want to continue focusing on classroom planning and exam preparation while payroll changes are implemented. For curriculum links and exam resources, see the following guides:
- CBC exam resources and practice papers — useful for primary and junior secondary teachers adjusting lesson plans.
- KCSE revision exams and topical papers — for senior secondary teachers preparing candidates.
- KCPE past papers and practice exams — for primary school teachers and candidates.
Frequently asked questions (brief)
- When does the new salary take effect? 1st July 2025 for Phase I.
- Who approved the change? The Salaries and Remuneration Commission at its meeting on 19th December 2025.
- Will all allowances remain separate? No. Entertainment, extraneous and domestic service allowances are consolidated into the SMA.
- How will unions be involved? Unionizable staff salaries will be finalised through collective bargaining negotiations.
Monitor official circulars from your employer and SRC notices for detailed tables and payroll instructions. If you need curriculum support while these changes are implemented, review the linked exam and curriculum resources above to keep teaching plans on track.
