Kenya public sector wage bill projected to reach Sh1.287 trillion

Kenya’s public sector wage bill is projected to reach Sh1.287 trillion for the 2025/26 financial year, marking a Sh40 billion increase from the previous year. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission attributed this rise to expanded hiring in the teaching, health, and security sectors, alongside salary adjustments to address the cost of living. Official data indicates the public service workforce grew to 1,070,000 employees last year.

Simultaneously, the national government spent Sh30.69 billion on domestic and foreign travel during the same period. Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o raised concerns over this expenditure, which rose by Sh5.2 billion despite previous pledges to reduce non-essential spending. State House was identified as the highest spender, utilizing Sh2.5 billion for travel.

The reports also highlight fiscal discipline concerns, noting that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) awarded contracts and made advance payments for road projects in Homa Bay County that lacked corresponding allocations in the approved 2025/26 budget.