Clinical Officer Salary in Kenya And Allowances for 2023

Are you curious about the earning potential of clinical officers in Kenya? This article will explore the intricacies of clinical officer salaries and allowances in Kenya for 2023. We'll explore how salaries vary based on education, experience, and gender. By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the clinical officer profession's earning landscape.

Kenya's medical professionals have historically advocated for improved salaries. In 2017, doctors embarked on a 100-day strike demanding a substantial pay increase. Eventually, the government acceded to their demands, resulting in enhanced salaries and allowances for medical practitioners. This article will focus on clinical medicine salary trends in Kenya, providing insights into the remuneration structure and how it varies across different categories of clinical officers.

Understanding Clinical Officer Salaries

Salaries in Kenya are typically categorized based on job groups, primarily applicable to civil servants. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) classifies these job groups according to an individual's education, skills, and certification. For Clinical Officers, earnings are heavily influenced by their education level and certification.

At the entry level, a Clinical Officer earns a different salary than a Principal Clinical Officer. Similarly, an Assistant Director of Clinical Services earns more than a Principal Clinical Officer. To put this into perspective, let's take a closer look at the salary ranges for Clinical Officers in Kenya.

Salary Ranges and Allowances

For Clinical Officers employed by the Central or County Government, the monthly pay ranges from Ksh 41,260 to Ksh 197,800. However, it's important to note that this salary isn't their only compensation. Clinical Officers are entitled to various allowances, including:

• House allowance
• Commuter allowance
• Hardship allowance
• Daily subsistence allowance
• Medical scheme benefits

To provide a more comprehensive understanding, let's examine the salary breakdown for different job categories within Clinical Medicine:

• Clinical Officer (Job Group L): Ksh 59,120 per month
• Principal Clinical Officer (Job Group N): Ksh 87,360 per month
• Assistant Director, Clinical Services (Job Group P): Ksh 121,430 per month
• Deputy Director, Clinical Services (Job Group R): Ksh 169,140 per month
• Director, Clinical Services (Job Group S): Ksh 197,800 per month

Clinical Officer Salary Progression

In 2020, the Ministry responsible for clinical services in Kenya and the Public Service Commission updated the service scheme for clinical personnel. This revision led to changes in job groups, with classifications now ranging from J to P. This change impacted salaries for clinical personnel employed by County Governments:

Registered Clinical Officer II (Job Group J): Ksh 41,260 per month

• This entry grade requires a diploma in clinical medicine. Officers at this level work under the supervision of senior officers.

Registered Clinical Officer I (Job Group K): Ksh 51,170 per month

• Officers at this level perform duties similar to those of Registered Clinical Officer II but can also perform surgical procedures and collect clinical data.

Senior Registered Clinical Officer (Job Group L): Ksh 59,120 per month

• A senior officer responsible for implementing Community Health Care activities and specialized clinical services.

Principal Registered Clinical Officer II (Job Group N): Ksh 65,120 per month

• This role involves providing clinical services, implementing medico-legal standards, and disease surveillance.

Principal Registered Clinical Officer I (Job Group P): Ksh 121,430 per month

• The highest-ranking role for individuals with a diploma in clinical medicine. Responsibilities include heading special programs and implementing clinical service policies.

Summary: Clinical Officer Salary In Kenya

Comparing Clinical Officer and Nurse Salaries

An entry-level Clinical Officer earns more than a registered nurse in medical professionals. This salary difference can be attributed to the job group classifications, where Clinical Officers are in Job Group J and registered nurses are in Job Group H. While Clinical Officers earn Ksh 41,260 per month, nurses earn Ksh 33,950 per month when employed by County Governments.

Becoming a Clinical Officer

Becoming a Clinical Officer in Kenya requires meeting specific educational requirements. These include obtaining:

• Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery or equivalent qualification
• Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery in any medical discipline
• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Medicine and Community Health
• Bachelor's Degree in any medical discipline
• Master's Degree in any medical discipline

Additionally, you need certificates of registration and professional practice licenses from the Clinical Officers' Council, computer application certification, and other qualifications approved by the Public Service Commission.

Clinical Officers and Surgical Procedures

Clinical Officers in Kenya are qualified to perform surgical procedures based on their training and skill level. However, at the entry and training grade, they work under the guidance of senior officers. Their roles extend beyond surgery to taking patient history, examination, diagnosis, treatment, guidance, and counseling patients.

Factors Affecting Clinical Officer Salaries

Clinical Officer salaries vary based on experience, location, skills, and gender. Experience plays a significant role, with the following average salaries based on years of experience:

• 0-2 Years: ~420,800 KES
• 2-5 Years: ~544,800 KES
• 5-10 Years: ~748,600 KES
• 10-15 Years: ~929,700 KES
• 15-20 Years: ~993,600 KES
• 20+ Years: ~1,059,800 KES

Impact of Education on Salary

Education is also a critical factor in determining clinical officer salaries:

• Certificate or Diploma: ~596,800 KES
• Bachelor's Degree: ~917,700 KES

A master's Degree or post-graduate program can lead to higher earnings, but costs and the time it takes to complete should be considered.

Gender Disparities

Unfortunately, gender disparities persist, with male clinical officers earning an average of 688,900 KES and females earning around 754,900 KES. This translates to males earning approximately 9% less for the same job.

Pay Raises and Bonuses

Clinical officers can expect an average pay raise of around 2% annually. Bonuses are less common, with 12% of clinical officers receiving bonuses in the last 12 months, ranging from 0% to 4%.

Public vs. Private Sector

In Kenya, public sector employees earn about 14% more than their private sector counterparts in the same role.

READ ALSO: Clinical Officer Intern Salaries in Kenya  And Allowances

Conclusion

In Kenya, Clinical Officers play a crucial role in healthcare delivery. Their salaries vary based on job groups, education, and experience. Clinical Officers contribute significantly to the population's well-being from entry-level to senior positions. Understanding their salaries and allowances provides insights into their dedication and expertise in medical care. As Kenya invests in healthcare, Clinical Officers remain a cornerstone of the nation's medical services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clinical Officer Salaries in Kenya

What factors determine the salary of a Clinical Officer in Kenya?

The salary of a Clinical Officer in Kenya is influenced by factors such as their job group, education level, years of experience, and the level of responsibility in their role. Higher job groups, advanced education, and experience often lead to higher salaries.

 How do Clinical Officer salaries in Kenya compare to other medical professions? 

Clinical Officers in Kenya generally earn varying salaries based on their job groups and experience. However, entry-level Clinical Officers tend to have higher starting salaries than registered nurses due to their placement in higher job groups.

 Can Clinical Officers in Kenya perform surgical procedures independently?

 While Clinical Officers in Kenya are qualified to perform surgical procedures, those at the entry and training grade must work under the guidance of senior officers. As they gain experience and expertise, they can gradually perform surgeries independently.

Are Clinical Officer salaries in Kenya subject to regular pay raises?

Yes, Clinical Officers in Kenya can expect regular pay raises as their experience and tenure increase. On average, Clinical Officers receive pay raises of around 2% annually, although this may vary depending on the specific employer and industry.

How does education level impact Clinical Officer salaries in Kenya? 

Education level plays a significant role in determining Clinical Officer salaries in Kenya. For instance, Clinical Officers with higher degrees, such as a Bachelor's or Master's, tend to earn higher salaries than those with diplomas or certificates.

Do Clinical Officers in Kenya receive bonuses or incentives? 

Yes, some Clinical Officers in Kenya may receive bonuses or incentives based on their performance and job responsibilities. However, these bonuses are less common than in other industries and range from 0% to 4% of their total compensation.