Lyn Mengich serves as the chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). She was appointed to this role by the former President Uhuru Kenyatta in September 2018, succeeding Sarah Serem, who had led the SRC for 6 years.
Upon assuming office, Mengich vigorously opposed attempts by Members of Parliament to arbitrarily increase their salaries.
In May 2019, she escalated her efforts by suing MPs who had added house and night allowances to their benefits, aiming to protect taxpayers from excessive demands by their elected representatives.
Mengich argued that the allowances were a duplication of benefits already included in their gross pay as evidenced under the Gazette Notice No. 6517 of 2017.
With over 25 years of cross-industry experience in leadership and Human Resource management, Mengich has held senior positions in various publicly traded and private organizations.
Professional Journey of Lyn Mengich
Prior to her appointment as the chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Lyn Mengich served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of her Startup, Nuevo Consulting Ltd, a HR and management consultancy.
Mengich held the position of the Talent and Change Manager for Shell Oil Products Africa and held the position of Regional HR Manager overseeing operations in 11 countries across East Africa.
Her career also included pivotal roles as HR Director for Barclays Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank, as well as HR Director for Smith Kline Beecham-East Africa and Absa Bank.
Beyond her corporate roles, Mengich contributed her expertise to various boards, including Jamii Bora Bank, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Sovereign Group, showcasing her extensive experience and leadership in both public and private sectors.
Also Read: MPs Reject Pay Rise, Gang Up Against SRC
Education
Mengich graduated from the University of Nairobi with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, which laid the groundwork for her understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics.
She also holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, an Executive Development Program from Cornel University, and is an alumnus of the Strathmore Business School and the IESE Business School in Spain.
Controversy in the Commission
Lyn Mengich found herself embroiled in conflict with MPs over their perks inherited from Sarah Serem’s tenure.
Unlike her predecessor, Mengich refused to yield to parliamentary threats of budget cuts, asserting the SRC’s constitutional mandate.
This defiance prompted personal attacks from MPs who accused Mengich of holding grudges and disrespecting legislators by denying them generous allowances.
Also Read: Ruto Gives Directive on Notice Recommending Salary Increments for MPs
The conflict resurfaced in 2022 when MPs grilled Mengich over her decisions to eliminate the Ksh 5000 plenary sitting allowance and impose restrictions on vehicle engine sizes, despite warnings from the Central Bank about economic strains caused by excessive allowances.
Nonetheless, Mengich stood firm, advising MPs to address their concerns through the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).
Several Members of Parliament (MPs) on July 3 rejected the SRC proposal to increase salaries for state officials.
According to a Gazette Notice from the SRC dated August 9, 2023, state officers were set to receive salary and benefit increments starting July 1, 2024.
However, in response, Mengich said the commission will freeze the upward review of salaries for all state officers stating that it will review taking account the economy, contractual agreements, and budget.
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