In a move that could reshape the public service, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) have put aside their long-standing differences in managing the country's public sector finances.

For years, tensions simmered between the two commissions over issues such as the ever-growing wage bill and the misuse of public funds.

However, in a closed-door meeting yesterday led by Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, the two bodies have now pledged to work together in ensuring public funds are used efficiently. "We came to have a discussion to see how we can harmonise plans going forward since they are serving the same public service and we have looked at issues like productivity that we need to focus more," said Koskei.

He noted that among the issues discussed include how to manage the ballooning wage bill. "We also want to ensure that we have an efficient public service that is responsive to the citizens and to the business community at large," added Koskei. "The two commissions are joined at the hip because they are serving public servants.