Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has revealed that the government is in the process of harmonising hardship areas across the country to establish a unified registry. The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 23, during a televised education segment in Kilifi.
According to Ogamba, the exercise will resolve long-standing disparities in hardship allowance allocations between teachers and other public servants. Currently, some regions are classified as hardship zones by the public service but not by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), creating confusion and unfairness in payment.
“This harmonisation is about equity. We cannot have a situation where public servants in the same area receive different treatment. Teachers, especially those in marginalised zones, deserve the same recognition as their counterparts in other sectors,” Ogamba stated.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the move is part of the government’s broader plan to address inequalities in education and improve working conditions for teachers serving in tough environments. These regions often struggle with poor infrastructure, insecurity, limited resources, and cultural practices that hinder learning.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Julius Bitok, echoed Ogamba’s sentiments, highlighting the unique challenges Kilifi faces. He pointed out issues such as widespread poverty, early marriages, and the long distances learners travel to access schools, all of which worsen education outcomes.
The urgency of reforms was underscored by Kilifi’s dismal performance in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Only two candidates in the county attained an A plain, while nearly half of the students scored D+ or below, sparking concerns about educational inequality in the region.
Stakeholders believe that harmonising hardship allowances will not only motivate teachers but also attract and retain more qualified staff in underserved areas. The government hopes this initiative will narrow the gap between well-resourced urban schools and struggling rural institutions.
Ogamba concluded by affirming that the ministry is working closely with other state agencies to finalise the central hardship registry, which will guide fair allowances and ensure consistency across the public service.
