Are you looking for the latest and most detailed guide on the civil servants salary structure in Kenya, job groups, scales, and allowances pay in 2025? This comprehensive article explains how much Kenyan civil servants earn, how their salaries are structured across job groups, what allowances they get, and everything else you need to know about pay in the public service.

Whether you’re applying for a government job, planning your career, or just curious about public service pay in Kenya, this article answers all your questions.

About Civil Servants in Kenya

Civil servants are employees of the Kenyan government who work in ministries, departments, and agencies to provide services to the public. They include office administrators, clerks, secretaries, accountants, human resource officers, engineers, and many others.

The salaries and allowances of civil servants are determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and paid under the government payroll system.

Civil servants are grouped into different job groups (A to T), which define their salary scale, responsibilities, and seniority.

Kenya Civil Servants Salary Structure by Job Group (2025)

The civil service salary structure is organized by job groups, with each group assigned a salary scale and corresponding allowances. Below is a breakdown of estimated monthly salaries per job group for 2025.

Entry-Level Civil Servants: Job Groups A–C

Job Group A

• Salary Range: KES 13,000 – KES 17,000

• Duties: Basic support roles, messengers, cleaners.

Job Group B

• Salary Range: KES 16,000 – KES 21,000

• Duties: Office assistants, low-skill technical tasks.

Job Group C

• Salary Range: KES 20,000 – KES 25,000

• Duties: Senior support staff, driver roles.

Mid-Level Civil Servants: Job Groups D–J

Job Group D

• Salary Range: KES 22,000 – KES 28,000

• Duties: Clerks, secretarial support.

Job Group E

• Salary Range: KES 26,000 – KES 35,000

• Duties: Office supervisors, record-keeping staff.

Job Group F

• Salary Range: KES 31,000 – KES 41,000

• Duties: Senior clerical officers, administrative support.

Job Group G

• Salary Range: KES 41,000 – KES 55,000

• Duties: Supervisory staff, executive secretaries.

Job Group H

• Salary Range: KES 50,000 – KES 65,000

• Duties: Assistant officers in departments.

Job Group J

• Salary Range: KES 60,000 – KES 80,000

• Duties: Senior supervisors, mid-level managers.

Senior Civil Servants: Job Groups K–T

Job Group K

• Salary Range: KES 70,000 – KES 90,000

• Duties: Section heads, policy implementation.

Job Group L

• Salary Range: KES 85,000 – KES 110,000

• Duties: Senior managers, department heads.

Job Group M

• Salary Range: KES 100,000 – KES 130,000

• Duties: Deputy directors, high-level planners.

Job Group N

• Salary Range: KES 120,000 – KES 160,000

• Duties: Directors, key decision makers.

Job Group P

• Salary Range: KES 150,000 – KES 200,000

• Duties: Principal directors, policy advisors.

Job Group R

• Salary Range: KES 180,000 – KES 250,000

• Duties: Senior principal secretaries.

Job Group S

• Salary Range: KES 220,000 – KES 300,000

• Duties: Permanent secretaries.

Job Group T

• Salary Range: KES 250,000 – KES 400,000+

• Duties: Senior-most administrative roles.

Summary Table: Civil Servants Salary and Allowances by Job Group (2025)

Allowances for Civil Servants in Kenya (2025)

In addition to their salaries, civil servants receive a range of allowances, which vary based on job group, location, and duties.

Common Allowances

• House Allowance: Compensates for accommodation costs.

• Commuter Allowance: For daily transport expenses.

• Hardship Allowance: Paid to staff working in remote or insecure areas.

• Leave Allowance: Annual allowance during vacation.

• Risk Allowance: For hazardous roles.

• Medical Allowance: Health-related benefits.

Senior officers may also receive entertainment allowance, responsibility allowance, and per diem when traveling.

Kenya Civil Service Job Groups Explained

Job groups in the civil service represent the hierarchy and determine pay, benefits, and promotion paths.

• Lower-level groups (A–C): Support and technical staff.

• Middle-level groups (D–J): Supervisory and specialized staff.

• Senior-level groups (K–T): Managers, directors, and senior administrators.

Promotion depends on performance, experience, training, and vacancies.

How Civil Servants Get Paid in Kenya

Salaries are processed through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD) and paid monthly into bank accounts.
Payslips show basic salary, allowances, deductions (like PAYE, NHIF, NSSF), and net pay.

Why Join the Kenya Civil Service?

• Job Security: Government jobs are stable.

• Pension: Guaranteed upon retirement.

• Career Growth: Structured promotion pathways.

• Medical Benefits: For staff and families.

• Professional Development: Training opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the starting salary for a civil servant in Kenya?

Entry-level positions in Job Group A start from around KES 13,000–17,000 per month plus allowances.

2. Which job group is the highest in Kenya?

Job Group T is currently the highest, paying over KES 400,000 per month.

3. Do all civil servants get the same allowances?

No, allowances depend on the job group, location, and specific duties.

4. How often are civil service salaries reviewed?

They are periodically reviewed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

5. Do civil servants pay taxes?

Yes, through PAYE deductions, as well as NHIF and NSSF contributions.

6. Is there housing provided for civil servants?

Most receive a house allowance instead of government housing.

7. What is the difference between Job Group K and M?

Job Group M is higher and involves more responsibilities and higher pay compared to Job Group K.

8. How long does it take to get promoted?

It depends on performance, availability of positions, and meeting qualification requirements.

9. Do civil servants get pensions after retirement?

Yes, they are entitled to a government pension.

10. Which ministries pay the highest allowances?

Generally, ministries with technical, risk, or hardship roles offer higher allowances.

Final Thoughts: Is a Civil Service Job Worth It?

The civil servants salary structure in Kenya, job groups, scales, and allowances pay make government jobs attractive for their stability, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

While private sector jobs may sometimes pay higher at entry levels, the security, pension, and structured advancement in public service make it a solid career choice for many Kenyans.

If you are planning to join the civil service, this guide helps you understand what to expect in terms of pay, benefits, and responsibilities across the various job groups in 2025.