The Commission on Administrative Justice Salary Scale in Kenya: Pay, Benefits, and Career Growth

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), commonly referred to as the Office of the Ombudsman, is one of Kenya’s independent constitutional commissions established under the 2010 Constitution. Its primary mandate is to promote fair administrative justice, handle complaints against public offices, and ensure accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in public service delivery.

Because of its important role, many Kenyans are curious about what it means to work at CAJ, especially when it comes to salaries, allowances, and benefits. In this article, we break down the Commission on Administrative Justice salary scale, career opportunities, and why CAJ is considered an attractive employer in Kenya’s public sector.

Salary Structure at the Commission on Administrative Justice

The CAJ salary scale is set and regulated by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), just like other independent commissions and public offices in Kenya. Salaries are determined by job group, level of responsibility, years of experience, and professional qualifications.

Here is a general overview of the salary ranges:

1. Entry-Level Positions

Fresh graduates or officers in support roles such as administrative assistants, clerks, or junior officers typically earn between Ksh 45,000 and Ksh 70,000 per month. This makes CAJ an attractive place for young professionals seeking stability and growth in public service.

2. Mid-Level Professionals

Positions such as legal officers, investigators, and program officers fall in this category. Depending on qualifications (such as a law degree or CPA), these professionals earn between Ksh 90,000 and Ksh 150,000 per month. These roles are central to handling public complaints, conducting investigations, and ensuring effective service delivery.

3. Senior Officers and Managers

Senior positions, including deputy directors, managers, and senior legal officers, attract salaries ranging from Ksh 180,000 to Ksh 280,000 per month. At this level, professionals oversee teams, handle high-profile cases, and drive policy reforms within CAJ.

4. Commissioners and the Chairperson

At the top of the salary scale are the commissioners and the Chairperson of CAJ. Their salaries are pegged on the SRC scales for constitutional commissioners, which often fall between Ksh 600,000 and Ksh 900,000 per month, inclusive of allowances. This reflects the high responsibility of ensuring administrative justice and holding public institutions accountable.

Allowances and Benefits

Apart from the basic salary, CAJ employees enjoy several allowances and benefits that make their total package more attractive:

• House Allowance – Adjusted according to job group and station of duty.
• Commuter Allowance – To support transport needs.
• Medical Insurance – Comprehensive cover for employees and their dependents.
• Leave Allowance – Paid during annual leave.
• Retirement Benefits – Pension contributions to ensure post-retirement security.
• Travel Allowances – Offered when employees conduct investigations or attend official duties outside their duty station.

These allowances complement the basic salary and provide employees with stability and job satisfaction.

Why Work at the Commission on Administrative Justice?

While the salary scale is competitive, working at CAJ offers more than just financial benefits. Here are some reasons many Kenyans aspire to work here:

1. Purpose-Driven Work – Employees directly contribute to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring fairness in public administration.
2. Job Security – Being part of a constitutional commission ensures stability and legal protection.
3. Career Development – Staff are encouraged to pursue further education, professional certifications, and capacity-building programs.
4. Professional Exposure – Employees interact with various government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners.
5. Growth Opportunities – With structured promotions and performance-based advancements, CAJ provides clear career progression.

Qualifications Needed to Work at CAJ

To join the Commission on Administrative Justice, applicants need to meet specific qualifications depending on the position:

• For Legal and Investigative Roles: A law degree, social sciences, or related qualifications plus relevant professional certifications.
• For Administrative Roles: A bachelor’s degree or diploma in business administration, finance, HR, or related fields.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, research, and conflict resolution skills are highly valued.
• Integrity and Ethics: Given the sensitive nature of CAJ’s work, integrity is a mandatory requirement.

Challenges of Working at CAJ

Like any career in governance and accountability, working at CAJ comes with challenges. Officers often face resistance from powerful individuals or institutions whose actions are under scrutiny. The workload can also be heavy, especially during periods of high public complaints. However, the chance to make a difference and safeguard the rights of ordinary citizens makes the role fulfilling.

Conclusion on Commission on Administrative Justice Salary Scale

The Commission on Administrative Justice salary scale is designed to reward professionalism, integrity, and responsibility. From entry-level officers earning about Ksh 45,000 to commissioners earning close to Ksh 900,000 monthly, CAJ offers competitive salaries and allowances compared to many government offices.

Beyond pay, a career at CAJ provides job security, professional development, and the satisfaction of serving Kenyans by promoting fairness and accountability. For those passionate about justice, governance, and public service, the Commission on Administrative Justice remains one of the most rewarding places to work in Kenya.