Career & Employment

CPSB 13 Salary Scale in Kenya: What You Need to Know

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The CPSB 13 salary scale is an essential topic for professionals employed within the County Public Service Boards (CPSBs) in Kenya. As a lower job group, CPSB 13 typically encompasses roles in support staff and entry-level administrative functions, with employees playing critical roles in ensuring the smooth operation of county governments.

In this article, we’ll break down the CPSB 13 salary scale, highlighting the current pay structure, annual increments, allowances, and career progression opportunities. Whether you are currently employed in this job group or planning to join the public service, understanding the details of CPSB 13 can help you navigate your career better.


What is CPSB 13?

CPSB 13 is one of the lower job groups in the County Public Service Boards in Kenya. Employees in this job group are typically entry-level personnel working in various county departments. They perform roles that are crucial to public service delivery, such as clerical, support, or operational duties.


Current CPSB 13 Salary Scale

The CPSB 13 salary scale follows a structured progression model, allowing employees to earn annual increments as they advance through the steps. Below is the breakdown of the current salary structure for CPSB 13 employees:

  • Starting Salary: Ksh 16,890 per month.
  • Annual Increments: Ksh 680 to Ksh 950, depending on the step.
  • Salary Progression: The maximum salary for this job group is capped at Ksh 20,800 per month.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the salary steps:

  1. Ksh 16,890
  2. Ksh 17,570
  3. Ksh 18,270
  4. Ksh 19,050
  5. Ksh 19,850
  6. Ksh 20,800

This progression ensures that employees receive regular salary increments as part of their career advancement.


Allowances for CPSB 13 Employees

In addition to the basic salary, CPSB 13 employees are entitled to various allowances, which differ based on county policies and job location. Some of the common allowances include:

  1. House Allowance:
    • Urban Counties: Higher allowances to offset the high cost of living.
    • Rural Counties: Relatively lower allowances due to reduced living costs.
  2. Commuter Allowance:
    This covers transportation costs, especially for employees commuting long distances.
  3. Medical Allowance:
    Employees receive medical insurance coverage, usually under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Some counties may supplement this with additional coverage.
  4. Risk Allowance:
    Applicable to employees in roles involving hazardous conditions, such as healthcare or field-based roles.

Benefits of Working Under CPSB 13

Working in the CPSB 13 job group comes with several benefits that make public service an attractive career option:

  • Job Security: Public sector jobs are relatively stable, with minimal risk of retrenchment.
  • Structured Career Progression: Employees can advance to higher job groups through experience, training, and performance.
  • Pension Benefits: CPSB employees enjoy pension schemes, ensuring financial security after retirement.
  • Allowances: Additional benefits such as house, commuter, and medical allowances improve the overall compensation package.

Challenges Faced by CPSB 13 Employees

While CPSB 13 provides structured pay and benefits, there are notable challenges that employees in this job group may encounter:

  1. Low Starting Salary:
    The entry-level salary of Ksh 16,890 may not be sufficient for employees living in high-cost areas.
  2. Inconsistent Allowances:
    Allowance policies vary across counties, leading to disparities in overall compensation.
  3. Limited Growth Opportunities:
    Employees in lower job groups may find it challenging to progress without additional qualifications or training.
  4. Delayed Salary Increments:
    In some cases, salary reviews and annual increments may be delayed due to bureaucratic processes.

Career Progression from CPSB 13

CPSB 13 employees have opportunities to advance their careers within the county public service. Here’s how you can progress:

  1. Further Education and Training:
    Pursuing additional qualifications or certifications can qualify you for higher job groups.
  2. Demonstrated Performance:
    Consistently meeting or exceeding job expectations can help you stand out for promotions.
  3. Application for Vacant Positions:
    Actively apply for higher job group positions when vacancies arise within your department or county.
  4. Networking:
    Building relationships with colleagues and mentors can open doors to new opportunities.

How CPSB 13 Salary Compares to Other Job Groups

CPSB 13 salaries are lower compared to mid-level and senior job groups such as CPSB 10 or CPSB 12. However, the structured progression system ensures that employees gradually move up the salary ladder.


Why Salary Scales are Important

Salary scales are a critical aspect of public service employment. They:

  • Ensure fairness and transparency in employee compensation.
  • Provide a structured pathway for career growth.
  • Help align pay with responsibilities and job performance.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings in CPSB 13

  1. Negotiate Allowances:
    Engage your county government to ensure you receive all entitled allowances.
  2. Take Advantage of Training Programs:
    Participate in county-sponsored training programs to improve your skills and qualify for promotions.
  3. Stay Updated on Policy Changes:
    Keep track of updates to salary scales and allowances to ensure you’re compensated fairly.

The CPSB 13 salary scale offers a structured pathway for growth in Kenya’s county public service. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance, understanding this scale is crucial.

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