Last updated on October 22nd, 2023 at 10:14 pm
The clinical medicine field in Kenya has witnessed significant changes and challenges in recent years, particularly in terms of salary negotiations and labor disputes. In 2017, a landmark event unfolded as doctors embarked on a 100-day strike, demanding a remarkable 300 percent increase in their salaries. This dramatic standoff between healthcare professionals and the government sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding clinical medicine salaries in Kenya.
The clinical medicine pay or salary in Kenya is Ksh 41,260 per month to Ksh 197,800 per month. However, these amounts only apply to those who are employed by the county government or those in the central government. Apart from the basic salary, these professionals in Kenya’s clinical medicine also get allowances such as house allowance, commuter allowance, hardship allowance, medical allowance, and finally a daily subsistence allowance.
Similar to other public workers, the salaries of professionals in Kenya’s clinical medicine are paid according to the category of the job group one belongs to. The concept of job groups is mainly for those working in government, commonly known as civil servants. The SRC (Salary and Remuneration Commission) classifies job groups based on level of education, skillset, and acquired certificates.
Therefore, clinical medicine salaries in Kenya are determined by the level of education and the certificate. For instance, an entry-level clinical officer earns less than a principal clinical officer.
How much does a Clinical officer earn per month in Kenya?
Here is brief summary in a table:
| Position | Monthly Salary (Ksh) |
| Clinical Officer | 59,120 |
| Principal Clinical Officer | 87,360 |
| Assistant Director, Clinical Services | 121,430 |
| Deputy Director, Clinical Services | 169,140 |
| Director, Clinical Services | 197,800 |
According to Kenya’s Public Service Commission, clinical officers are classified into five categories, they include:
- Clinical Officer
- Principal Clinical Officer
- Assistant Director Clinical Officer
- Deputy Director Clinical Services
- Director clinical services
According to Kenya’s Public Service Commission clinical officers are grouped into these five categories based on their certificates, skills, and education level.
The SRC, with the help of the service scheme for clinical professionals, is responsible for grouping civil servants based on their level of education, skills, and level of education. For instance, they group as follows with their respective salaries:
KEMRI SALARIES
| Job Position | Job Group | Monthly Salary (Ksh) |
| Clinical Officer | L | 59,120 |
| Principal Clinical Officer | N | 87,360 |
| Assistant Director, Clinical Services | P | 121,430 |
| Deputy Director, Clinical Services | R | 169,140 |
| Director, Clinical Services | S | 197,800 |
Clinical Medicine Salary in Kenya
In 2020, the government parastatal responsible for clinical service functions in Kenya, together with the Public Service Commission, revised the service scheme for clinical professionals. Therefore, the setting of the job groups was revised to J, K, L, N, and P. Hence, the salaries for these personnel also changed. Here is a brief summary of those employed by the county government:
1. Registered Clinical Officer II – earning Ksh. 41,260
The position of Registered Clinical Officer II serves as the initial tier for individuals in Kenya who have successfully completed a clinical medicine diploma program. Those at this entry level function under the close supervision and guidance of more experienced senior officers. Their range of responsibilities encompasses a variety of crucial tasks, such as recording patient medical histories, conducting patient examinations and diagnoses, prescribing necessary laboratory tests and imaging procedures, as well as administering treatment for common medical conditions within both outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings.
This role falls within Job Group J, offering a monthly salary of Ksh 41,260. Additionally, Registered Clinical Officer II is eligible for several allowances in Kenya, including those for housing, commuting, hardship, daily subsistence, and participation in a medical scheme.
Also Check: Nurses Salary In Kenya
2. Registered Clinical Officer I – Ksh 51,170
A Registered Clinical Officer I assumes all the responsibilities of a Registered Clinical Officer II, but with a distinct level of autonomy that eliminates the need for direct supervision from a senior officer. Beyond this, they possess the expertise to conduct surgical procedures in accordance with their extensive training and skill set, as well as the capacity to gather and consolidate clinical data.
In addition, they take on the crucial role of delivering clinical outreach services and overseeing school health programs. Their duties extend to organizing health management teams and convening health management committees, contributing significantly to the healthcare system’s efficient functioning. Notably, a Registered Clinical Officer I is categorized under Job Group K and, if employed at the County Government level, earns a competitive salary of Ksh 51,170.
3. Senior Registered Clinical Officer – Ksh 59,120
The role of a senior registered clinical officer extends beyond the confines of individual medical practice. In this capacity, they shoulder the responsibility of not only implementing vital Community Health Care activities but also collaborating closely with fellow healthcare professionals at the grassroots level to proactively combat the onset of diseases.
Beyond these essential duties, these officers possess the competence to meticulously gather patient histories, conduct thorough examinations, provide precise diagnoses, administer effective treatments, and skillfully manage various diseases and medical conditions.
Additionally, senior registered clinical officers bring forth specialized clinical expertise in a diverse array of areas, spanning trauma care, orthopedics, reproductive health, child health, and pediatrics, as well as dermatology. They play a crucial role in the collection and compilation of clinical data, ensuring that healthcare information is both accurate and accessible.
The pathway to becoming a senior registered clinical officer is paved with dedication and excellence. Eligibility for promotion to this esteemed position necessitates a minimum of three years of unwavering service as a registered clinical officer I. Moreover, candidates must demonstrate exceptional merit and prowess in their professional performance and results. Upon reaching this milestone, these officers ascend to job group L, stationed at the county level, where they enjoy a monthly salary of Ksh 59,120, supplemented by various allowances.
4. Principal registered clinical officer II – Ksh 65,120
Principal registered clinical officer II level plays a pivotal role within a healthcare establishment. Their duties include conducting comprehensive ward rounds, meticulously assessing patients and making essential referrals, executing surgical procedures in alignment with their extensive training and honed expertise, and meticulously following established clinical service protocols, guidelines, and rigorous quality assurance benchmarks.
Moreover, these officers bear the crucial responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to medico-legal standards and policies, along with actively engaging in disease surveillance and control measures. Within the organizational hierarchy, the position of Principal Registered Clinical Officer II holds a place in Job Group N, with officers receiving a competitive monthly salary of Ksh 87,360.
5. Principal registered clinical officer I – Ksh 121,430
The pinnacle of clinical medicine within the diploma cadre in Kenya is the role of Principal Registered Clinical Officer I. This position holds the highest authority and responsibility in this field within the country. Individuals in this role are authorized to lead specialized programs at health facilities rated at levels 4 and 5. These programs encompass critical areas such as disease surveillance, quality assurance, management of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and integrated childhood illness management.
Furthermore, those who hold the title of Principal Registered Clinical Officer I bear significant duties and accountabilities. They are charged with the crucial task of implementing policies related to clinical services and leading teams responsible for health management. This prestigious position is categorized under job group P, granting incumbents a substantial monthly salary of Ksh 121,430.
Who Earns Between a Nurse and a Clinical Officer?
Entry-level clinical officers earn more than entry-level registered nurses. This pay difference is due to the distinct job groups they belong to, with clinical officers in Job Group J receiving Ksh 41,260 per month, and registered nurses in Job Group H receiving Ksh 33,950 per month when employed by the County Government.
How to become a clinical officer
To become a clinical officer in Kenya, you can follow these steps:
1. Meet educational requirements:
– Obtain a diploma in clinical medicine and surgery or an equivalent qualification.
– Pursue a Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery in any medical discipline.
– Attain a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine and Community Health or a Bachelor’s degree in any medical discipline.
-Pursue a Master’s degree in any medical discipline to further your qualifications.
2. Obtain Necessary Documents:
– Acquire a certificate of registration from the Clinical Officers’ Council.
– Secure a valid professional practice license from the Clinical Officers’ Council.
– Obtain a Certificate in computer applications to enhance your skills.
Meeting these educational and documentation requirements will enable you to become a clinical officer in Kenya.
Can a clinical officer do surgery?
In Kenya, clinical officers can perform surgical procedures based on their training and skills. However, at the entry and training grade, clinical officers are required to conduct surgery under the supervision of a senior officer. In addition to surgical procedures, their responsibilities at this level include taking patient history, conducting examinations, making diagnoses, providing treatment, and offering guidance and counseling to patients.
The salary of clinical officers in Kenya varies depending on their rank. For example, a clinical officer with a diploma qualification employed by a County Government at an entry-level position receives a monthly salary of Ksh 41,260. The highest-paid clinical officer is the principal registered clinical officer I, who earns a monthly salary of Ksh 121,430.