The government is set to embark on a major review of hardship area classifications following growing concerns about disparities in hardship allowance payments across the public sector. Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced the move when he appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Education and Public Service.
CS Ruku said the Ministry will establish a new multi-agency task force to re-examine the designation of hardship areas and revise the criteria used to determine who qualifies for hardship allowances. This follows petitions accusing the government of discriminatory allowance payments, particularly affecting teachers in Kilifi and Taita-Taveta counties.
According to the CS, earlier hardship classifications relied on broad administrative units such as districts and divisions an approach that failed to reflect the significant differences in living conditions within smaller localities. The upcoming review will instead focus on more granular administrative units, ensuring that updated and evidence-based data guides decision-making.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) will play a central role in the classification process. The Bureau is expected to apply a weighted scoring model built around seven key parameters: food, water, transport and communication, social services, climate and terrain, security, and the poverty index.
CS Ruku noted that while some areas previously classified as hardship have experienced significant socio-economic improvement, others that were left out may now meet the threshold.
“The review will ensure that all public officers serving in genuinely difficult environments are treated equitably,” he said.
The Senate Committee urged the Ministry to fast-track the exercise and submit a new policy framework for consideration. Legislators emphasised that public officers working in harsh conditions should not be disadvantaged due to outdated classifications.
In the meantime, CS Ruku directed the Teachers Service Commission to continue paying hardship allowances under the existing framework until the new policy is finalised and officially gazetted.
The review is expected to lay the groundwork for harmonised hardship allowance payments across all public institutions, ensuring fairness and standardisation once implemented.
