Introduction

Kenya’s TSC teachers are once again at the center of a crucial debate—salary increments. With the rising cost of living and increasing demands on educators, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is under pressure to review teachers’ pay. As negotiations between the government and teachers’ unions loom, over 300,000 TSC-registered teachers are watching closely, hoping for a favorable outcome.

This article explores the current state of salary negotiations, the factors influencing the discussions, and what TSC teachers can expect in the coming months.

1. The Current Salary Structure for TSC Teachers

The TSC manages the payroll for all public school teachers in Kenya, with salaries structured under the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The current pay scales categorize teachers based on:

Job Group (Promotion Levels) – Ranging from B5 (lowest) to D5 (highest for classroom teachers).
Qualifications – Diploma, degree, and postgraduate holders earn different base salaries.
Years of Experience – Incremental raises are applied annually.

Sample Monthly Salaries (Before Deductions):

Primary Teacher (Job Group B5): KES 21,756 – KES 27,195
Secondary Teacher (Job Group C2): KES 34,955 – KES 43,694
Senior Master (Job Group D4): KES 118,242 – KES 157,656

Despite these figures, many TSC teachers argue that their salaries have not kept pace with inflation, which hit 6.8% in 2023.

2. Why Teachers Are Demanding a Salary Review

A. Rising Cost of Living

Inflation has eroded purchasing power, making it harder for teachers to afford basic needs.
Fuel prices, housing costs, and food expenses have surged.

B. Delayed Promotions

Thousands of teachers remain in lower job groups despite meeting promotion criteria.
Stagnation means missed salary increments.

C. Heavy Workload

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has increased administrative duties.
Many teachers handle large class sizes with minimal support.

D. Comparison to Other Sectors

Civil servants in similar qualifications earn higher salaries.
Some counties pay their staff better than TSC teachers.

3. The Upcoming Pay Negotiations: What’s on the Table?

The TSC is expected to engage with unions, including:

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT)
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)

Key Demands from Teachers:

✔ A 30-60% salary increase to match inflation.
✔ Faster promotions for stagnated teachers.
✔ Hardship allowances for those in remote areas.
✔ Clearer CBC workload compensation.

Government’s Position:

The National Treasury has previously cited budget constraints.
Any salary increase could require tax adjustments or budget reallocation.

4. Possible Outcomes of the Negotiations

Scenario 1: Full or Partial Salary Increase

If unions push hard, teachers could get a 10-20% raise, phased over years.
Past CBAs have used incremental approaches.

Scenario 2: Allowances Instead of Basic Salary Hike

The TSC may offer higher commuting or housing allowances as a compromise.

Scenario 3: Stalled Talks and Protests

If negotiations fail, TSC teachers might go on strike, disrupting schools.

5. How Other Countries Handle Teacher Salaries

Rwanda: Teachers receive performance-based bonuses.
South Africa: Annual inflation-linked increments.
Nigeria: Frequent strikes due to unpaid salaries.

Kenya could learn from these models to retain a motivated teaching workforce.

6. What TSC Teachers Can Do While Awaiting the Outcome

Join unions (KNUT/KUPPET) to strengthen bargaining power.
Engage in side hustles (online teaching, tutoring) to supplement income.
Upgrade qualifications for higher job groups.

Conclusion

The salary negotiations for TSC teachers will shape the future of Kenya’s education sector. While economic challenges exist, a fair pay deal is crucial to retaining quality educators. As talks progress, teachers, unions, and the government must find a balanced solution—one that recognizes teachers’ sacrifices while keeping public finances stable.

For now, TSC teachers wait, hope, and prepare to make their voices heard.

Readers: 14