Public service legal officers to get special allowances from July
The PSC, through a circular to all public bodies, directed that the new allowances apply to legal officers who have a law degree, a post-graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and are advocates in good standing.
Public service legal officers who are qualified advocates of the High Court will begin receiving monthly special allowances from July 1, following a Nairobi Court decision that upheld the Public Service Commission’s authority to issue the payments.
A three-judge bench upheld an earlier ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court which confirmed that the PSC has the mandate to set terms and conditions of service for public officers and ensure uniform implementation across public institutions.
The PSC, through a circular to all public bodies, directed that the new allowances apply to legal officers who have a law degree, a post-graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and are advocates in good standing.
"The eligible officers must perform duties such as court representation, legal advisory, contract reviews, compliance oversight, and legislative drafting," PSC states.
The allowances will range from Sh15,000 to Sh55,000 per month, depending on job group.
Officers in CSG 5 and above will receive Sh40,000 as a non-practice allowance and Sh55,000 for prosecutorial or special legal duties.
In its communication, the PSC urged public bodies to fully utilise their in-house legal teams and reduce reliance on expensive external counsel.
However, the new directive excludes State officers, employees of county governments, and those working under the Parliamentary, Judicial, Teachers, and Police service commissions.
This latest circular replaces earlier ones issued in 2010 and 2012 on the same matter.
