In a kind gesture towards the plight of teachers in ASALs, the Teachers Service Commission has released a list of updated hardship zones. The updated list, an addition to the 2021 to 2025 CBA deal, will enhance support and compensation for some teachers in the most challenged regions in Kenya.
Context and Background
Kenya’s is a country with diverse geography, having many regions classified as ASAL. Teachers in ASAL regions face extreme conditions: These include harsh climatic areas where very minimal infrastructural development exists and where there is minimal access to basic services. To cushion educators from this hardships, the TSC provides a hardship allowance as part of the CBA. This allowance is expected to cushion the increased cost of living and the many challenges of teaching in such regions.
Updated List of Hardship Areas
The updated list of hardship areas includes additional regions which for the first time have now been identified as difficult areas. The officially recognized region as ASAL and hard-to-staff areas now includes:
- Baringo County: Baringo North, Tiaty East, Tiaty West, and Marigat sub-counties
- Garissa County
- Homa Bay County: Suba and Mbita sub-counties
- Isiolo County
- Kajiado County: Mashuuru, Loitoktok, and Kajiado West sub-counties
- Kwale County
- Kilifi County: Magarini and Ganze
- Lamu County
- Mandera County
- Marsabit County
- Kitui County: Mumoni, Mutito North, and Tseikuru sub-counties
- Narok County: Narok South and Narok North sub-counties
- Samburu County
- Taita Taveta County
- Tana River County
- Turkana County
- Wajir County
- West Pokot County
Criteria for Hardship Classification
For a region to be classified as a hardship area, it must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Lack of or inaccessibility to food
- Inadequate transport and communication networks
- Limited basic social services and amenities
- Persistent harsh climatic conditions such as flooding, landslides, and drought
- Insecurity and high risk of security threats
These criteria ensure that the designation of hardship areas is based on tangible and significant challenges to daily life and work.
Hardship Allowance
One of the important factors in the remuneration package for teachers is the hardship allowance from TSC, which has factored in postings to such areas. The system seeks to compensate teachers by way of an allowance that will help alleviate extra costs and challenges. The amount in terms of hardship allowance per month differs because teaching staff are placed according to job groups, which have different levels of responsibility and experience.
Monthly Hardship Allowance Rates by Job Group:
| Job Group | Monthly Allowance (KES) |
|---|---|
| Group B5 | 6,600 |
| Group C1 | 8,200 |
| Group C2 | 10,900 |
| Group C3 | 12,300 |
| Group C4 | 14,650 |
| Group C5 | 17,100 |
| Group D1 | 21,800 |
| Group D2 | 24,300 |
| Group D3 | 31,500 |
| Group D4 | 35,100 |
| Group D5 | 38,100 |
These allowances are part of a very vital support system that ensures teachers’ good and fair compensation for the unique challenges in their service. The TSC is focused on updating this list to underscore the Commission’s commitment to both teachers’ welfare and input into the quality of education serving all parts in Kenya.