In Kenya, all civil servants are grouped into various job groups so that they can be easily compensated come the end of the month. A Job group in Kenya is like a class that only houses people with a standard skill set and education level. According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), there are about 18 Job Groups to which each member of the Public Service Commission (PSC) is assigned. The Job Groups in Kenya are assigned letters from A to T, and at times, they are also known as CPSB, ranging from CPSB 1 to CPSB 18.
Important Note: Job Group R is now classified as E1 under the new SRC classification system
The Job Group R is one of the highest-paying Job Groups in Kenya. It comprises deputy directors and senior deputy directors who typically hold high-level managerial positions within government ministries and departments. In most cases, civil servants at this level have many years of experience and are assistants to those in the higher offices. So, how much do Job Group R employees earn in Kenya? Well, this guide will answer that question and walk you through the various allowances and benefits they receive.
Job Group R Salary Scale
Job Group R (now E1) is the third-highest Job Group in Kenya, sitting between Job Group Q and S as provided by the SRC. Members of this pay gap earn a basic salary of Ksh 121,430 without any allowances or deductions.
However, the total compensation varies significantly based on location. Job group R salary in Kenya per month for those in Nairobi is KSh. 243,450, which includes the basic salary plus allowances. For those in clusters 2 and 3, the pay ranges from KSh. 155,911 to Ksh. 228,450 and Ksh. 145,911 to Ksh. 218,450, respectively.
The best thing is that as you stay in the profession with time, your rank will climb, and you will even earn more than that. On top of their basic salaries, Job Group R civil servants are also entitled to various allowances. These are:
Housing Allowance
While not mandatory for all, the housing allowance for Job Group R varies from one county to another and ranges from Ksh 20,000, the lowest, to as high as Ksh 50,000. The housing allowance is usually calculated at 25% of the employee’s basic salary in Kenya. Housing allowance is meant to compensate for the harsh economic conditions that differ from one county to another. Majorly, those in more developed Counties, especially Nairobi, will earn more allowances than their counterparts in other less developed counties.
The SRC has put the housing allowance into 4 clusters as follows, though some sources indicate a simplified 4-cluster system:
- Cluster 1 (Nairobi): Ksh 50,000
- Cluster 2 (Major Towns like Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru): Ksh 35,000
- Cluster 3 (County Headquarters): Ksh 25,000
- Cluster 4 (Other Regions): Ksh 20,000
Hardship Allowance
Civil servants working in areas classified as hardship zones are entitled to a hardship allowance. For Job Group R, the hardship allowance is Ksh 38,100 per month.
Hardship zones are typically remote or underdeveloped areas with limited basic infrastructure and service access. These counties are:
- Garissa County
- Isiolo County
- Turkana County
- Wajir County
- Samburu County
- West Pokot County
- Mandera County
- Marsabit County
- Kilifi County
- Lamu County
- Kwale County
- Taita Taveta County
- Tana River County
Commuter Allowance
A commuter allowance is provided to cover transportation costs only to eligible members. The commuter allowance for employees in job group R is Ksh. 16,000, though some sources indicate it can range between Ksh 16,000 and Ksh 20,000. Again, the amount varies from one county to another, and the exact role of the department you are working in.
Leave Allowance
All members of the public service commission are entitled to a leave allowance, which is issued once a year only and lasts for a month. During this time, they will still receive their normal salaries; for Group R, the basic pay is Ksh 121,430.
While the above are the most common types of allowances, other types they can receive include:
- Per Diem Rates: These are paid for local travel only, especially when using a government car. It ranges from as low as Ksh 8,400 in the Cluster 4 counties to as high as Ksh 14,000 per day in Cluster 1 counties.
- Disability Allowance: There is a disability allowance of Ksh 20,000 available to all persons with disabilities who are registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
- Transfer Allowance: After a transfer, employees are entitled to an allowance to facilitate their movement and settling in.
- Risk Allowance: This is given to workers who are exposed to harsh conditions and risks in the course of their work.
Career Progression and Requirements
Job Group R positions typically require extensive experience and high-level qualifications. These positions are permanent and pensionable and often involve coordinating major departmental functions such as budget preparation, planning, and oversight of accounting units.
The mandatory retirement age in the public service is 60 years. However, for individuals living with disabilities and who are registered members of the National Council for People Living with Disabilities (NCPLWD), their mandatory retirement age is 65 years.
How to Apply for Job Group R Positions
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has a career portal to streamline the job application process, enabling candidates to apply online rather than through traditional mail services. Job seekers are required to sign up and submit their applications via the Public Service Commission’s portal.
For those interested in government employment opportunities:
- Check particular government agencies’ websites and official social media channels
- Monitor PSC announcements for available positions
- State agencies conduct competitive hiring practices and advertise vacancies in digital and traditional media to ensure transparency
Conclusion
Job Group R is one of Kenya’s highest-paying civil servant categories. The basic salary range for people in the Job Group R in Kenya is Ksh 121,430, but with allowances and other benefits factored in, the total compensation can reach up to Ksh 243,450 for those in Nairobi. However, the exact figure varies from one county to another, and you should be aware of that. Job group R (now E1) is the third-highest group, meaning it’s one of the top-paying groups comprising deputy directors and senior deputy directors. Well, we hope that this article has been informative to you. All the best.
