Civil servants’ union now issues 21-day strike notice

• Previously the government shouldered 100 per cent of the retirement costs leading to low monthly benefits for the retirees and unsustainability of the scheme.
• The PS said that the government had reviewed the hardship allowances for public servants that would see those working in extremely harsh regions Sh10, 000 per month and the ones working in moderate conditions earn Sh5, 000 irrespective of their job groups.

The Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UCKS) has issued a 21-day strike notice to the government, demanding better working conditions for public workers.

UCKS secretary-general Tom Odege said the three weeks would allow for consultations over the review of the working terms and conditions of service.
“Our working conditions need to be reviewed. Despite an increase in our salaries, housing allowances have not be raised for the last 10 years and we want decent housing,” said Mr Odege when the union officials met with government representatives in Eldoret.

During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of State for Public Service, Titus Ndambuki, said the government was holding talks with the union officials to avert the industrial action.   

The PS said the government had introduced a contributory pension scheme for civil staff, discipline forces and teachers as part of efforts to improve the terms of service.

The scheme will take effect in July 2013.

next year, shares the cost of pensions between the employees and the employer.

“Under the scheme both the employee and the government contributions will be available for investments in the capital markets to generate returns to improve and sustain employee retirement benefits,”

Previously the government shouldered 100 per cent of the retirement costs leading to low monthly benefits for the retirees and unsustainability of the scheme.

The PS said that the government had reviewed the hardship allowances for public servants that would see those working in extremely harsh regions Sh 10, 000 per month and the ones working in moderate conditions earn Sh 5, 000 irrespective of their job groups.