A significant proportion of Kenyan workers are employed in the public service, and they earn various salaries depending on the job group in which they find themselves. The organization in charge of coming up with Civil servant Job Groups in Kenya is the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). And it’s not just about Job Groups – SRC’s mandate, as stated in article 230 (4) of the Kenyan constitution, allows the organization to review and set new salaries, ensuring fair compensation in the public service. The SRC is bound by constitutional principles that include ensuring the total public compensation bill is fiscally sustainable while attracting and retaining skilled personnel.
In this guide, our focus will mainly revolve around Job Group K’s salary and allowances. So, if you fall into the Job Group K category, we have covered everything you need to know about your compensation structure, career progression opportunities, and additional benefits available to you.
Job Group K Salary
Job Group K is one of the 18 Job Groups in Kenya. It is positioned in the middle of the salary structure, also known as CPSB 9. Job Groups usually assign employees with shared skills and education qualifications a specific salary figure, creating a standardized compensation framework across the public service.
Job Group K is designed for everyday employees of local or national governments with moderate experience and qualifications; they can be Teachers, nurses, Accountants, Administrative Assistants, Technical Officers, and various other professionals who serve as the backbone of Kenya’s public service delivery.
All Civil servants in the Job Group K earn a basic salary of KSh 38,270 per month, but they are entitled to several allowances that can raise their gross salaries substantially.
It’s important to note that this basic salary represents the starting point for newly employed graduates. The SRC provides annual salary increments within the job group bracket, meaning employees who have been working in the same group for several years will receive a slightly higher basic salary based on their years of service and performance evaluations.
Job Group K Allowances
In addition to the basic pay, all Public Service Commission employees are entitled to various allowances. However, it should be noted that not all allowances are given to every employee automatically. Some are compulsory, while others require specific applications for consideration based on work circumstances and location. With that said, below are some of the most common allowances in Kenya’s Public service space:
1. House Allowance
The housing allowance is given to civil servants to cover their living expenses while providing public service. This allowance is not optional but is automatically granted to all civil servants. The allowances vary from one employee to another, depending on the county in which they are located and the cost of living in that area. Usually, employees in the cities will receive higher allowances – in Nairobi, for example – to compensate for the high cost of living compared to those in other Counties.
Housing allowances for Job Group K employees are categorized into 4 clusters with pay as follows:
| Cluster | Regions | Monthly Allowance (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster 1 | Nairobi | 16,500 |
| Cluster 2 | Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi, Naivasha | 12,800 |
| Cluster 3 | Nyeri, Machakos, Eldoret, Kericho, Kisii, Kakamega, Lodwar, Embu, Nanyuki, Garissa | 9,600 |
| Cluster 4 | Other regions | 7,500 |
2. Commuter Allowance
Commuter allowances are another standard allowance that Job Group K civil servants receive monthly. This allowance helps cover transportation costs for daily commuting to and from work. For Job Group K employees, the commuter allowance typically ranges between Ksh 8,000 and Ksh 12,000, depending on the employee’s specific job role, the County they work in, and their daily transportation needs.
3. Hardship Allowance
A monthly hardship allowance of Ksh 10,900 is provided specifically for Job Group K employees working in hardship areas. These are typically remote or challenging locations characterized by harsh climatic conditions, limited infrastructure, poor communication networks, and inadequate social amenities. This allowance compensates for the additional challenges faced in such regions, including harsh living conditions and limited access to essential services, making these postings more attractive to qualified personnel.
4. Leave Allowance
Leave allowance is an annual benefit equivalent to one month’s basic salary, paid once a year usually at the end of December. For Job Group K, this translates to KES 38,270, providing employees with additional funds to cover expenses during their annual leave period. This allowance helps ensure that civil servants can take proper rest and recreation time without financial strain.
5. Additional Allowances
Job Group K employees may also be eligible for other specialized allowances depending on their circumstances:
- Disability Allowance: KES 20,000 monthly for employees with hearing, visual, or physical impairments who are registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
- Special Institution Allowance: For those working in specialized government institutions
- Per Diem/Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA): KES 11,200 (Cluster 1), KES 8,400 (Cluster 2), or KES 7,000 (Cluster 3) per day when traveling for official duties away from their regular work stations
Total Monthly Pay for Job Group K
After all allowances are factored in, the gross salary of Job Group K employees is substantially higher than the basic pay. However, it’s important to note that the salary of members of the public service is also subject to statutory deductions such as SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund), NSSF (National Social Security Fund), PAYE (Pay As You Earn tax), and other mandatory contributions.
Without deductions, the average gross salary of a Job Group K employee working in Nairobi (Cluster 1) is approximately Ksh 75,670, as shown in the table below:
| Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 38,270 |
| House Allowance (Cluster 1) | 16,500 |
| Commuter Allowance | 10,000 |
| Hardship Allowance (if applicable) | 10,900 |
| Total Monthly Gross Pay | 75,670 |
For employees in other clusters, the gross pay will be lower due to reduced housing allowances:
- Cluster 2: Approximately Ksh 71,970
- Cluster 3: Approximately Ksh 68,870
- Cluster 4: Approximately Ksh 66,670
Additionally, the annual leave allowance of Ksh 38,270 effectively adds about Ksh 3,189 to the average monthly compensation when calculated over the year.
Wrapping-Up
And there you have it, friends. This comprehensive overview covers everything you need to know about Job Group K salaries and allowances in Kenya for 2025. As we conclude, remember that Job Group K represents a significant segment of the Kenyan public service, encompassing a wide range of roles and responsibilities that are essential to the country’s development.
Their basic pay in Kenya starts at Ksh 38,270, but with the various allowances factored in, Job Group K employees can earn an average gross salary ranging from approximately Ksh 66,670 to Ksh 75,670 depending on their work location, with additional annual benefits that further enhance their total compensation package.
