How? Speaker Wetang’ula questions criteria for classification of hardship areas

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for a review of the criteria used to classify hardship areas saying some deserving regions had been left out.

Speaking while presiding over the afternoon session as the house resumed sittings following a short recess the Speaker said it was necessary to evaluate the factors used to determine the areas so that Kenyans and particularly public servants are not disenfranchised in the conduct of their duties.

“Some areas suffer seasonal flooding, destroyed roads, and lack essential services yet they are not considered hardship zones. Meanwhile, other more developed regions are enjoying that status. It’s illogical and unjust,” he added.

In response to a rising wave of complaints by Members of Parliament who say the current hardship classification framework is outdated and skewed the Speaker noted that regions ravaged by floods and lacking basic infrastructure had been reportedly left out of the hardship bracket.

“You apply for a job in public service as a teacher, a police officer you commit to serve anywhere. So how do we now have people fleeing their duty stations without authorization? That’s not just an individual problem; it’s poor system management,” Wetang’ula charged from the Speaker’s Chair.

The Speaker revealed that a multi-agency task force led by the Ministry of Public Service had compiled a report aimed at redefining hardship areas but the document was yet to be scrutinized by Parliament.

“This House must see that report. We cannot allow the suffering of Kenyans to be hidden behind bureaucracy. We must ensure public resources and personnel are distributed equitably,” he urged.

With the Public Service Ministry lacking a substantive Cabinet Secretary following the sacking of Justin Muturi, Wetang’ula instructed deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya to invite Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to appear before the House Wednesday to respond to the matter and explain the criteria used for classification.

“We will formally write to the Prime Cabinet Secretary. This is not just about allowances it’s about fairness, service delivery, and development justice,” he concluded.

As lawmakers return to active duty, the message is clear: Parliament will not shy away from confronting systemic inequalities that affect service delivery at the grassroots.