The government, through the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, will establish a new multi-agency task force to review the classification of hardship areas across the country.
The move follows growing concerns over disparities in hardship allowance payments to public servants, including teachers in Kilifi and Taita-Taveta counties.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Public Service, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the review aims to ensure fairness and standardisation in hardship designations across the public sector.
“The Ministry is initiating a review process through a new multi-agency task force to re-examine the designation of hardship areas and the criteria applied in the payment of hardship allowances,” said Ruku.
Public Service, Cabinet
Secretary Geoffrey Ruku when he appeared before the Senate committee on November 13, 2025/HANDOUT“This will ensure that all public officers serving in genuinely difficult environments are treated equitably.”
The announcement comes in response to petitions before the Senate over alleged discrimination in hardship and housing allowance payments to teachers in Kilifi and Taita-Taveta counties.
Previously, hardship classifications were based on large administrative units such as districts or divisions, a system the Ministry said failed to reflect variations in living conditions within smaller localities.
The new review will instead focus on smaller administrative units to allow for more accurate, evidence-based classification.
The task force will comprise representatives from key institutions and stakeholders, and will undertake extensive public participation.
According to the Ministry, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) will again play a central role, using a weighted scoring system based on seven parameters: food, water, transport and communication, social services, climate and terrain, security, and the poverty index.
Public Service, Cabinet
Secretary Geoffrey Ruku interacts with some Senators after the session/HANDOUTCS Ruku noted that some areas currently classified as hardship have undergone significant socio-economic improvement and may no longer qualify, while others previously excluded may now meet the threshold.
“The review will enable the government to address disparities and ensure allowances are paid based on updated and verifiable data,” he added.
The Senate Committee urged the Ministry to fast-track the review and submit a new policy framework for consideration, emphasising that teachers and other public officers working in harsh environments should not be disadvantaged.
Meanwhile, the CS told senators that the Teachers Service Commission should continue paying hardship allowances under the existing classification until a new framework is approved and gazetted.
The review is also expected to pave the way for harmonised hardship allowance payments across all public institutions once the new policy takes effect.
Public Service, Cabinet
Secretary Geoffrey Ruku interacts with a section of senators after a session on November 13, 2025/HANDOUT
