TSC Revises Hardship Allowance and Area Classifications for Teachers – Full List of Affected Regions
TSC Revises Hardship Allowance and Area Classifications for Teachers – Full List of Affected Regions, The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), in collaboration with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), has announced a major review of hardship allowances and the classification of hardship areas across Kenya. The changes are set to take effect from July 1, 2025.
This policy shift aims to enhance budgetary efficiency by realigning hardship allowances with current realities on the ground. The government estimates that this revision could save up to Ksh 6.5 billion annually.
Key Changes to the Hardship Policy
- Two-Tier Classification Introduced
Instead of the previous one-size-fits-all approach, hardship areas will now be categorized into:- Extreme Hardship Areas
- Moderate Hardship Areas
This change reflects improved infrastructure, enhanced access to services, and better living standards in many regions.
- Removal and Downgrading of Some Areas
Several areas have been removed entirely from the hardship classification, while others have been downgraded, reducing the allowance amounts for public servants working there. - Impact on Teachers and Public Servants
Teachers in newly declassified or downgraded areas will experience reduced earnings beginning July. This is expected to affect staffing in previously marginalized areas
List of 44 Previously Coded Hardship Areas Now Affected
Some areas have been removed from the hardship list altogether, while others have been downgraded to moderate status:
- Nyanza & Western Region
- Suba – Mfangano & Rusinga Islands
- Kuria – Kegonga
- Busia – Budalangi
- Kisumu – Muhoroni Valley & Sondu
- Rift Valley
- Kericho – Whole Region
- Baringo – Whole Region
- Nandi – Tinderet
- Nakuru – Mbogoini & Makongeni (Lower Solai)
- Koibatek – Kimgorom
- Elgeyo Marakwet – Whole Region
- Trans Mara – Whole Region
- Narok – Eastern Mau, Osupuko, Mara, Loita & Southern Olulunga
- West Pokot – Whole Region
- Samburu – Whole Region
- Eastern Region
- Kitui – Whole Region
- Makueni – Whole Region
- Machakos – Yalla & Masinga
- Mwingi – Whole Region
- Tharaka – Whole Region
- Meru North (Nyambene) – Mutuai, Ndoleli, Igembe East, Buuri, Giika, Linjoka, Ankamia, Amung’enti, Thangatha, Mumui, Kiujuline & Akithi Zones
- Mbeere – Whole Region
- Isiolo – Whole Region
- North Eastern Region
- Moyale – Whole Region
- Marsabit – Whole Region
- Garissa – Whole Region
- Mandera – Whole Region
- Wajir – Whole Region
- Coast Region
- Kilifi – Ganze
- Kwale – Kinango & Samburu
- Malindi – Magarini, Marafa & Kakoneni
- Tana River – Whole Region
- Lamu – Whole Region
- Taita Taveta – Whole Region
- Central & Nairobi Region
- Nyeri – Kieni
- Kiambu – Ndeiya & Karai
- Maragwa – Mukuyu
- Nyandarua – Nyahururu High School & Nyandarua Boarding Primary
- Other Areas
- Kajiado – Whole Region
- Laikipia – Whole Region
- Mara – Whole Region
- Thika – Kakuzi
Reactions and Concerns from Stakeholders
The education sector has responded with mixed reactions:
- Supporters: Praise the move for aligning policy with actual conditions, promoting fairness and accountability.
- Critics: Warn that reduced incentives may demotivate teachers and lead to staffing shortages in remote schools.
Teacher unions are already calling for urgent consultations with the TSC and SRC, arguing that the revised classifications could compromise educational quality in vulnerable communities.
What’s Next?
As the changes take effect in July, many teachers are re-evaluating their deployment options. The government insists the policy will ensure equitable compensation and prudent resource use, while redirecting funds to development projects in education and other sectors.
Stay tuned to opportunitieshub for all updates on teacher postings, TSC guidelines, and education sector news.
