Authors :
Anyumba Margaret Achieng; Dr. Yasin Gabon
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/58mtar9r
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mtvtu2ha
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr357
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study investigates the effect of staff remuneration on organizational performance, specifically focusing on the
transition to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) payment framework. Despite the implementation of
standardized wage structures in Kenya, a gap persists where employees under extensive supervision remain financially
vulnerable, leading to organizational risks such as high turnover, absenteeism, and "quiet quitting." The study is grounded
in Stakeholder, Expectancy, Equity, Agency, and Reinforcement theories, which collectively explore the link between
financial rewards, perceived fairness, and productivity. Key objectives include assessing changes in organizational
performance and employee wages post-SRC implementation, evaluating staff decision-making behavior, and examining the
relationship between wage adjustments and professional conduct. Preliminary empirical reviews for 2025–2026 indicate that
while the SRC framework aims to link pay to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the rising statutory deductions (SHIF,
NSSF, and Housing Levy) have eroded net disposable income, creating a "take-home pay illusion." The study seeks to bridge
the research gap regarding how these modern financial pressures and "shadow remuneration" (such as workplace
flexibility) influence the psychological contract between employers and employees. The findings will provide critical evidence
for policymakers, hospital directors, and payroll managers to design scalable, impactful remuneration strategies that
enhance both employee welfare and national GDP.
Keywords :
Staff Remuneration, Organizational Performance, SRC Framework, Net Disposable Income, Employee Motivation.
References :
- Adams, J. S. (1963). Towards an understanding of inequity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(5), 422–436.
- Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman.
- Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan.
- Vroom, V. H. (1964). Work and motivation. Wiley.
- Government of Kenya. (2010). The Constitution of Kenya. Government Printer.
- Government of Kenya. (2011). Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act. Government Printer.
- Government of Kenya. (2013). National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Act. Government Printer.
- Government of Kenya. (2024). Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) regulations. Ministry of Health.
- Salaries and Remuneration Commission. (2025). Strategic plan 2025/2026–2029/2030: Enhancing productivity-linked remuneration. SRC Kenya.
- Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. (2026). The take-home pay illusion: Impact of SHIF, NSSF, and housing levy on Kenyan middle-income earners. [Industry Analysis].
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2025). Sectoral transparency and reward systems in Kenyan manufacturing and agriculture. Government Printer.
- Muriithi, J. (2024). The correlation between job autonomy and employee performance in the Kenyan technology sector. [Technical Report].
- PaySpace. (2026). Legislative updates: NSSF upper earnings limit increases in Kenya. PaySpace Payroll Insights.
- ResearchGate. (2024). The economic rationale of hybrid work models as indirect financial relief in inflationary environments. [White Paper].
- The Star. (2025, June 15). Linking public sector pay to measurable KPIs: The new SRC framework. https://www.the-star.co.ke
- Vellum Kenya. (2026). Quiet quitting and the erosion of disposable income: A 2026 labor market analysis. Vellum Advisory Reports.
This study investigates the effect of staff remuneration on organizational performance, specifically focusing on the
transition to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) payment framework. Despite the implementation of
standardized wage structures in Kenya, a gap persists where employees under extensive supervision remain financially
vulnerable, leading to organizational risks such as high turnover, absenteeism, and "quiet quitting." The study is grounded
in Stakeholder, Expectancy, Equity, Agency, and Reinforcement theories, which collectively explore the link between
financial rewards, perceived fairness, and productivity. Key objectives include assessing changes in organizational
performance and employee wages post-SRC implementation, evaluating staff decision-making behavior, and examining the
relationship between wage adjustments and professional conduct. Preliminary empirical reviews for 2025–2026 indicate that
while the SRC framework aims to link pay to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the rising statutory deductions (SHIF,
NSSF, and Housing Levy) have eroded net disposable income, creating a "take-home pay illusion." The study seeks to bridge
the research gap regarding how these modern financial pressures and "shadow remuneration" (such as workplace
flexibility) influence the psychological contract between employers and employees. The findings will provide critical evidence
for policymakers, hospital directors, and payroll managers to design scalable, impactful remuneration strategies that
enhance both employee welfare and national GDP.
Keywords :
Staff Remuneration, Organizational Performance, SRC Framework, Net Disposable Income, Employee Motivation.