As a public servant in Kenya, understanding your current job group is not just essential; it is empowering. It gives you control over how much you will earn at the end of the month. In previous years, I have covered all the Job groups in Kenya and their respective allowances. In this Guide, we will focus specifically on how much Job Group M employees earn in Kenya, along with their possible allowances and career advancement opportunities.
The Job Group M holds a significant place in Kenya’s job group structure, accommodating senior roles such as county directors, senior medical officers, and engineering supervisors for all civil servants nationwide. It is a pivotal level, falling between Job Groups N and L and not far from the highest Job Group level, Job Group T.
When it comes to understanding the correct figure that members in Job Group M earn in Kenya, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), a government parastatal, plays a considerable role in standardizing salaries across all 18 job groups in Kenya, not just Job Group M, to ensure fairness and equity in compensation.
Job Group M Salary In 2026
As mentioned earlier, civil servants in Kenya are integral employees working mainly for the public or government at the national and county levels. Their roles are of utmost importance, as their salaries are primarily influenced by the Job Groups they are in.
For Job Group M employees, the distribution of their positions at the county and national level carries significant weight. While working for the central government, their roles mainly encompass policy formulation and oversight. In contrast, county government positions focus more on local implementation and service delivery. However, it’s important to note that, when it comes to base salary, there is an equitable and fair structure in place at both levels of government.
The Job Group M level is mainly comprised of senior roles critical to the functioning of national and county governments. These positions are prestigious, requiring a high level of education and experience, often involving specialized skills and leadership abilities. Some of the most common roles in Job Group M include county directors, senior medical officers, engineering supervisors, senior accountants, and department heads across various ministries.
So, what is the Job Group M salary in Kenya? As of 2026, the basic salary for Job Group M in many public institutions typically ranges from Ksh 49,000 to Ksh 65,000 per month, depending on the specific employer, sector, and grading within the broader CSG 7/Job Group M band. The career progression within Job Group M is often tied to the salary scale, which is structured to reflect experience and responsibility. New entrants commonly start at the lower end of the range, while those with extensive experience and additional qualifications earn towards the upper end of the scale.
Allowances Job Group M Receive
All public servants in Kenya are entitled to various allowances to improve their living standards and provide general compensation for job-related challenges they may face.
However, before we list Job Group M allowances in Kenya, it is essential to clarify that allowances do not apply to all employees. While some are mandatory, some must be applied for and awarded based on specific job requirements and geographical postings.
Secondly, the allowances vary, mainly influenced by how much county governments and different public institutions pay their employees, so the amounts we mention below are estimates of typical amounts in KSh. They are as follows:
| Allowance | Typical amount (KSh / month) |
|---|---|
| House (Housing) Allowance | 15,000 – 28,000 |
| Commuter Allowance | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Medical Allowance | Up to 5,000 |
| Non-Practicing Allowance (Doctors) | ~19,000 |
| Risk Allowance (Doctors) | ~3,850 |
| Emergency Call Allowance (Doctors) | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Extrusions/“Extraneous” Allowance | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Responsibility Allowance | Varies |
| Hardship Allowance | Varies |
FAQs
Is there a salary increase for government employees in 2026?
Yes. Civil servants in Kenya are benefiting from a salary review, the first phase of which is backdated to 1 July 2025 and implemented in the 2025/2026 financial year. This review covers basic salaries and leave allowances across civil service grades under the 2025–2029 remuneration and benefits review cycle.
What is the salary increment for civil servants in 2026?
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved adjustments to basic salary structures and leave allowances for civil servants, with an overall cost of about KSh 2.06 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year. Exact percentage or shilling increases depend on job grade and are detailed in the official SRC circular for the 2025–2029 review cycle, not as a single uniform rate for all workers.
How much do job groups pay in Kenya?
Job groups in Kenya fall under SRC and related frameworks, with basic salaries ranging from about KSh 13,000 at the lowest cadres to over KSh 160,000 or more for higher groups, excluding allowances. Each job group has its own salary band and may also attract house, commuter, hardship, and other allowances based on posting and role.
What are the types of allowances for employees in Kenya?
Common allowances for Kenyan public employees include house allowance, commuter (transport) allowance, hardship allowance, leave allowance, and per diem/DSA for work-related travel. Depending on the role, there may also be risk, extraneous, non-practising, responsibility, and disability allowances, regulated or guided by SRC policies or sector-specific frameworks.
