Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s brother, Eng. Michael Thoya Kingi, has officially taken up one of the most influential roles in Kenya’s public service after being sworn in as a Commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) — a position that shapes how State officers are paid.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, December 1, at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, in an event attended by top State officers, including Speaker Kingi himself.
Sharing the news, Speaker Kingi wrote:
“I witnessed the swearing-in of Eng. Michael Thoya Kingi as a Commissioner of the SRC… officiated by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Hon Justice Martha Koome.”
He further emphasized that Michael’s appointment aligns with the constitutional framework under Article 230, which establishes the SRC as the body mandated to set and regularly review remuneration and benefits for all State officers.
Eng. Michael Kingi’s appointment was made by President William Ruto and later formalized through a gazette notice, granting him a six-year tenure on the Commission.
The former Magarini MP expressed gratitude immediately after his appointment received Parliament’s approval:
“Grateful to God for the gift of life, the President for the appointment, and Parliament for the approval. Ready to serve my country in this new capacity.”
Who Is Michael Kingi? A Look at His Journey
Far from being a newcomer to public service, Michael boasts a solid professional and political track record:
Technical Expertise
Diploma in Civil Engineering – Kenya Institute of Highways & Building Technology
BSc in Civil Engineering – JKUAT
Early Engineering Career
Worked in project supervision roles at:
Casuarina Enterprises Ltd
Maritech Engineering Ltd
Public Service Leadership
Held key roles in water sector management:
Water Officer – Coast Development Authority
Superintendent, then Technical & Operations Manager – Kilifi Mariakani Water & Sewerage Company
Managing Director – Malindi Water & Sewerage Company (2015–2017)
Political Career
Elected Magarini MP (2017–2022) under the ODM ticket
Served in:
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
Committee on Implementation
In his congratulatory message, Speaker Amason Kingi praised his brother’s competence:
“I wish Hon Kingi well in his new designation, and express utmost confidence that the Commission will continue to discharge its mandate boldly, transparently, and accountably.”
With debates on public wage sustainability, State officers’ allowances, and rationalisation of public spending intensifying, Michael steps into the SRC at a pivotal moment.
His engineering background, water sector experience, and legislative exposure position him as a potentially influential voice in shaping Kenya’s future remuneration architecture.
Will Michael Kingi’s entry into the SRC amplify calls for bold reforms — or intensify political scrutiny over high-profile appointments?
Either way, his six-year term will be closely watched.
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