The TSC categorises ECDE teachers into specific job groups, each with corresponding salary scales, allowances, and incremental benefits. Factors such as academic qualifications (certificate, diploma, or degree), years of service, and additional responsibilities significantly influence where an ECDE teacher falls on the pay scale. For instance, those with higher qualifications or leadership roles, such as head teachers or curriculum coordinators, often qualify for higher job groups and better remuneration. Understanding this structure is essential for ECDE teachers to plan their career progression and financial future effectively.
With recent advocacy for better pay and working conditions for ECDE teachers, staying informed about the latest TSC salary guidelines and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) is more important than ever. This article breaks down the current TSC salary scale for ECDE teachers, highlighting the pathways for career advancement and the financial benefits tied to professional development. Whether you are an aspiring or practising ECDE teacher, this guide will help you navigate the salary structure and maximise your earning potential within the TSC framework.
Why This Update Matters (And Why It Took So Long)
ECDE teachers have long been stuck in a pay limbo—some employed by county governments, others by TSC, with salaries that varied wildly. The good news? TSC is now standardising pay structures, meaning fairer compensation across the board.
But here’s the catch: not every ECDE teacher is on the same scale yet. If you’re employed by the TSC, these changes directly affect you. If you’re still under county payroll, there’s hope this shift will push counties to follow suit.
Scheme of Service for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Teachers
Recently, the Council of Governors, in collaboration with the County Governments, developed the Scheme of Service for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Teachers. This scheme guides the recruitment, training, promotion, and management of ECDE teachers employed by county governments in Kenya. It aims to standardize teacher qualifications, create a clear career path, and improve the quality of early childhood education.
Purpose and Objectives
The scheme establishes a structured career framework to attract, motivate, and retain qualified ECDE teachers. It defines job descriptions, duties, and the minimum qualifications required for appointment and promotion at every level. It also ensures fair deployment, career planning, and succession management while setting standards for training and advancement based on merit, performance, and results.
Administration and Training
The scheme is administered by the County Chief Officer in charge of Education in consultation with the County Public Service Board (CPSB). Counties must provide training opportunities to help teachers upgrade their qualifications and improve their skills. Serving teachers will be converted to the new grading structure even if they lack the current minimum qualifications, though further advancement requires meeting the set requirements.
Entry and Qualifications
Entry into the scheme requires a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and relevant ECDE training. Minimum academic qualifications start from a KCSE grade D+ with a Certificate in ECDE for entry-level positions, progressing to diploma, degree, and even master’s level for higher grades. Teachers must also have computer literacy, registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), a valid medical report, and a certificate of good conduct.
Grading Structure
The scheme provides three main teacher cadres:
- Certificate Level (Assistant ECDE Teacher) – Six grades from Job Group F to L.
- Diploma Level (ECDE Teacher) – Six grades from Job Group H to N.
- Graduate Level (Graduate ECDE Teacher) – Seven grades from Job Group K to R.
Each level outlines specific duties, including class teaching, mentoring learners, preparing reports, maintaining records, organizing play-based learning activities, and ensuring children’s safety and holistic development. Higher grades carry added responsibilities such as centre administration, community mobilization, curriculum development, quality assurance, and policy implementation.
Career Progression
Promotion depends on academic qualifications, years of service, demonstrated merit, and availability of vacancies. Teachers move upward from class-based roles to administrative, supervisory, and policy-making positions. At the top of the hierarchy are positions such as Senior Principal Graduate ECDE Teacher (Deputy Director) and Chief Principal Graduate ECDE Teacher (Director), who manage county-wide ECDE programs, strategic planning, budgeting, and quality assurance.
Implementation
County governments will implement the scheme based on available financial resources. All trained and qualified ECDE teachers who meet the minimum requirements will be absorbed. The scheme ensures professional growth opportunities, motivates teachers, and improves service delivery in public ECDE centres.
The 2024 ECDE Salary Breakdown
TSC has categorised ECDE teachers under Job Group ‘B’ (formerly known as ‘G’). Here’s the updated monthly pay structure:
| Grade | TSC Scale | Basic Salary (KSh) | House Allowance (KSh) | Total Monthly Earnings (KSh) |
| ECDE II | B5 | 21,756 – 27,195 | 3,850 – 7,500 | 25,606 – 34,695 |
| ECDE I | C1 | 27,195 – 33,994 | 7,500 – 10,000 | 34,695 – 43,994 |
| Senior ECDE | C2 | 34,955 – 43,694 | 10,000 – 16,500 | 44,955 – 60,194 |
Note: House allowance varies by region (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other counties).
What’s Changed?
- Higher starting salaries – ECDE II teachers now earn KSh 25,606 at entry, up from previous scales.
- Clearer promotion path – Moving from ECDE II to Senior ECDE can now mean almost double the salary over time.
- Harmonised allowances – No more guessing; house allowances are now standardised based on location.
How to Maximise Your Earnings Under the New Scale
- Upgrade Your Qualifications – A Diploma or Degree in ECDE can bump you to a higher grade (and a bigger paycheck).
- Push for Promotions – If you’ve been in one grade for years, check with TSC on pending upgrades.
- Join a Teachers’ Union – KUPPET or KNUT can help fight for better terms.
What This Means for Kenya’s Education System
Better pay for ECDE teachers isn’t just about fairness—it’s about keeping talent in early education. When teachers are motivated, kids perform better.