Treasury turns to HR experts to tame Sh1.3 trillion wage bill

The National Treasury is turning to professional human resource managers to help rein in the government wage bill. The team is expected to help the government review staffing levels and clean up payroll systems as the exchequer seeks to contain rising recurrent expenditure.

Treasury has agreed to consider formally involving certified human resource management practitioners in wage bill reviews, job evaluations and staff establishment audits across government agencies.

The move follows proposals by the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) during consultations on the 2026 Budget Review and Outlook Paper.

IHRM had proposed that Treasury work with the Public Service Commission and Salaries and Remuneration Commission to engage certified HR professionals.

Treasury responded that it would consider the proposal.

“The National Treasury will consider engaging the Public Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission and qualified HRM practitioners in wage bill reviews, job evaluations and staff-establishment audits,” it said.