Introduction to TSC Salary Scale: Latest Updates for Primary, Secondary & ECDE Teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays a pivotal role in determining the remuneration of educators in Kenya, ensuring fair compensation across primary, secondary, and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) levels. Recently, the TSC has implemented updates to the salary scales, reflecting adjustments based on collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), inflation rates, and government budgetary allocations. These changes aim to address the economic challenges teachers face while aligning with the commission’s mandate to enhance motivation and productivity in the education sector. Understanding these updates is crucial for teachers, administrators, and stakeholders to ensure compliance and transparency in payroll management.

For primary and secondary school teachers, the revised TSC salary scales introduce incremental changes across job groups, from entry-level educators to senior administrative positions such as headteachers and principals. The new structure incorporates basic salary increments, house allowances, and other benefits, with variations based on geographical regions (rural, peri-urban, and urban). Additionally, promotions and salary advancements are now tied to performance evaluations under the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) framework, emphasizing merit-based progression. ECDE teachers, previously under county governments, have also seen harmonized pay structures under TSC, though disparities in compensation compared to their primary and secondary counterparts remain a point of discussion.

The latest TSC salary adjustments have sparked mixed reactions among educators, with some applauding the incremental improvements while others argue that the raises are insufficient given the rising cost of living. Unions such as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) continue to advocate for better terms, highlighting the need for regular reviews to match economic realities. As the TSC strives to balance fiscal constraints with teachers’ welfare, staying informed about these updates ensures educators can effectively plan their careers and finances while holding the commission accountable for fair implementation..

Understanding the New TSC Salary Structure

Grade	T-Scale	Position	Basic Salary Range (Ksh per month)
B5	T-Scale 5	Primary Teacher II	23,830
C1	T-Scale 6	Secondary Teacher III	28,491 – 35,614
C2	T-Scale 7	Secondary Teacher II	34,955 – 43,694
C3	T-Scale 8	Senior Teacher I / Secondary Teacher I	43,154 – 53,943
C4	T-Scale 9	Senior Master IV	52,308 – 65,385
C5	T-Scale 10	Senior Master III	62,272 – 77,840
D5	T-Scale 15	Chief Principal	131,380 – 159,534

1. Primary Teacher II (Grade B5, T-Scale 5)

Basic Salary: Starting at Ksh 23,830 per month.

2. Senior Teacher I (Grade C3, T-Scale 8):

Basic Salary: From Ksh 43,154 to Ksh 53,943 monthly.

3. Secondary Teacher III (Grade C1, T-Scale 6):

Basic Salary: Between Ksh 28,491 and Ksh 35,614 per month.

4. Secondary Teacher II (Grade C2, T-Scale 7):

Basic Salary: Ranging from Ksh 34,955 to Ksh 43,694 monthly.

5. Secondary Teacher I (Grade C3, T-Scale 8):

Basic Salary: Between Ksh 43,154 and Ksh 53,943 per month.

6. Senior Master IV (Grade C4, T-Scale 9):

Basic Salary: Starting at Ksh 52,308 and capping at Ksh 65,385 monthly.

7. Senior Master III (Grade C5, T-Scale 10):

Basic Salary: Ranging from Ksh 62,272 to Ksh 77,840 per month.

8. Chief Principal (Grade D5, T-Scale 15):

Basic Salary: Between Ksh 131,380 and Ksh 159,534 monthly.

Allowances Enhancing Teachers’ Compensation

In addition to basic salaries, teachers receive various allowances that significantly boost their overall earnings:

House Allowance: This varies based on the teacher’s grade and location. For instance, teachers in Nairobi receive higher house allowances compared to those in other regions.
Commuter Allowance: A monthly stipend to cater to transport expenses, with amounts depending on the teacher’s grade.
Hardship Allowance: For educators teaching in designated hardship areas, this allowance compensates for the challenging conditions.
Annual Leave Allowance: An annual benefit provided to all teachers, the amount of which is determined by their respective grades.

Career Progression: Climbing the Professional Ladder

The TSC has outlined clear pathways for career advancement:

From Primary Teacher II (Grade B5) to Primary Teacher I (Grade C1): Typically, after three years of satisfactory performance, a teacher is eligible for promotion.

Advancing from Secondary Teacher II (Grade C2) to Secondary Teacher I (Grade C3): This progression often requires a combination of experience, additional qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
Moving to Senior Positions (Grades C4 and above): Positions such as Senior Master or Chief Principal necessitate years of experience, leadership skills, and further professional development.

Grade	T-Scale	Position	Basic Salary Range (Ksh per month)
B5	T-Scale 5	Primary Teacher II	23,830 – 34,955 – 43,694
C1	T-Scale 6	Secondary Teacher III	28,491 – 35,614
C2	T-Scale 7	Secondary Teacher II	34,955 – 43,694
C3	T-Scale 8	Senior Teacher I / Secondary Teacher I	43,154 – 53,943
C4	T-Scale 9	Senior Master IV	52,308 – 65,385
C5	T-Scale 10	Senior Master III	62,272 – 77,840
D5	T-Scale 15	Chief Principal	131,380 – 159,534

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