The government through the Ministry of Public Service, has announced the suspension of the planned implementation of a reviewed hardship area classification following public criticism from teachers, civil servants and political leaders across the country.
The decision was announced by Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, during a visit to Samburu County on July 16, where h admitted that the suspension followed strong resistance from education stakeholders, who expressed concern that the reclassification would disadvantage staff working in remote and underserved areas by removing or downgrading their hardship status.
The review had proposed adjustments that would have affected regions previously recognized for harsh living conditions, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure.
Areas such as Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, and West Pokot, parts of the North Eastern region and sections of the Coast stood to lose the hardship designation under the new classification.
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Teachers and public servants in these regions warned that the reclassification would result in loss of hardship allowances, a key financial support for those working in difficult environments.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and KUSNET, were among the groups that called for the process to be stopped until more inclusive consultations were conducted.
While confirming the suspension, CS Ruku said the government had listened to the concerns raised by affected parties. “The government is committed to a rigorous public participation before implementation of the report,” he said. “During this period, hardship allowances will continue to be paid to all eligible officers as before.”
In Samburu, local leaders criticized the classification system used in the review. Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe noted that the county still faced major challenges, including insecurity, poor infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
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“One wonders why they are reclassifying Samburu as a moderate working area. This is actually an extreme hardship region, “said Lelegwe.
CS Ruku assured that a new evaluation process would be initiated, one that considers the ground realities and inputs from all affected communities. He stated that the government remains committed to equitable service delivery and the welfare of its staff across all regions.
Until further notice, the existing hardship area designations will remain in effect. The government has not given a timeline for the resumption or completion of the new classification review.
By Benedict Aoya
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