Current TSC Teachers Salary Scale, Allowances and Grading/Titles for Newly Promoted and Non-Promoted
With the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recently promoting thousands of educators across the country, many teachers are eager to understand the salary implications that come with their new job groups. These promotions—ranging from classroom teachers to senior administrative positions—have elevated not just professional standing but also financial rewards.
The updated salary scales, aligned with various job grades ensure that newly promoted teachers are compensated according to their added responsibilities and qualifications.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya has structured its pay system into several job groups that correspond to experience, roles, and responsibilities. Each grade carries a specific salary range depending on the teacher’s designation.
For years, Kenyan teachers have staged protests demanding improved salaries and working conditions. Their efforts, spearheaded by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), finally paid off after a protracted yet successful battle. As a result, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved salary adjustments to be rolled out in three phases.
These developments have been crucial in addressing long-standing concerns about poor compensation in the education sector. Periodic negotiations ensure that the government remains accountable for fair remuneration, ultimately motivating teachers to provide quality education in public schools.
Role of TSC in Teacher Employment and Pay
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays a pivotal role in managing Kenya’s public education workforce. TSC is tasked with recruiting, deploying, promoting, and remunerating teachers across the country. TSC also negotiates Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with unions, which determine teachers’ salaries and career progression.
How Teacher Salaries Are Determined
According to Teachers Updates salary increments and adjustments are determined by the SRC in collaboration with TSC, based on specific performance and service-related metrics. These include qualifications, job grade, length of service, administrative responsibilities, and the working environment—whether urban, rural, or hardship areas. He added that teachers handling learners with special needs are entitled to additional allowances.
Teachers involvement in co-curricular activities and overall performance can significantly influence how fast they rise through the ranks.
TSC Teachers Salary Scale, Allowances and Grading/Titles
TSC’s New Grading System and Titles for Teachers
In a recent restructuring, the TSC revised its grading system by scrapping and merging some job groups. This move aimed to streamline teacher promotions and align roles more efficiently. Below is the updated grading structure:
| No | Title | Grade | T-Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Principal | D5 | T-Scale 15 |
| 2 | Senior Principal | D4 | T-Scale 14 |
| 3 | Principal / Deputy Principal I | D3 | T-Scale 13 |
| 4 | Deputy Principal II / Senior Master I / Senior Lecturer I | D2 | T-Scale 12 |
| 5 | Senior Master II / Deputy Principal III / Senior Head Teacher / Senior Lecturer II / Curriculum Support Officer I | D1 | T-Scale 11 |
| 6 | Senior Master III / Senior Lecturer III / Head Teacher / Deputy Head Teacher I / Curriculum Support Officer II | C5 | T-Scale 10 |
| 7 | Senior Lecturer IV / Senior Master IV / SNE Senior Teacher (Primary) / SNE Teacher I (Secondary) / Deputy Head Teacher II | C4 | T-Scale 9 |
| 8 | Secondary Teacher I / Lecturer I / SNE Teacher I (Primary) / SNE Teacher II (Secondary) / Senior Teacher I | C3 | T-Scale 8 |
| 9 | Secondary Teacher II / SNE Teacher II (Primary) / Lecturer II / Senior Teacher II | C2 | T-Scale 7 |
| 10 | Secondary Teacher III / Lecturer III / Primary Teacher I | C1 | T-Scale 6 |
| 11 | Primary Teacher II | B5 | T-Scale 5 |
2025 TSC Basic Salary Structure
The revised salary structure covers both primary and secondary school educators, categorized by job group and grade:
| No | Title | Grade | Basic Salary Range (KSh) Minimum – Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Principals | D5 (T-Scale 15) | Ksh. 131,380 – Ksh. 159,534 |
| 2 | Senior Principals | D4 (T-Scale 14) | Ksh. 118,242 – Ksh. 143,581 |
| 3 | Principals / Deputy Principal I | D3 (T-Scale 13) | Ksh. 105,182 – Ksh. 127,069 |
| 4 | Deputy Principal II / Senior Master I | D2 (T-Scale 12) | Ksh. 92,119 – Ksh. 110,551 |
| 5 | Senior Master II / Deputy Principal III / Senior Head Teacher | D1 (T-Scale 11) | Ksh. 78,625 – Ksh. 95,101 |
| 6 | Senior Master III / Senior Lecturer III / Head Teacher / Deputy Head Teacher I | C5 (T-Scale 10) | Ksh. 62,272 – Ksh. 78,667 |
| 7 | Senior Lecturer IV / Senior Master IV / SNE Senior Teacher (Primary) / SNE Teacher I (Secondary) / Deputy Head Teacher II | C4 (T-Scale 9) | Ksh. 52,308 – Ksh. 67,220 |
| 8 | Secondary Teacher I / Lecturer I / SNE Teacher I (Primary) / SNE Teacher II (Secondary) / Senior Teacher I | C3 (T-Scale 8) | Ksh. 44,412 – Ksh. 56,514 |
| 9 | Secondary Teacher II / SNE Teacher II (Primary) / Lecturer II / Senior Teacher II | C2 (T-Scale 7) | Ksh. 36,621 – Ksh. 45,776 |
| 10 | Secondary Teacher III / Lecturer III / Primary Teacher I | C1 (T-Scale 6) | Ksh. 28,491 – Ksh. 35,614 |
| 11 | Primary Teacher II | B5 (T-Scale 5) | Ksh. 22,793 – Ksh. 28,491 |
Commuter Allowance
| Grade | Allowance (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5 | 4,000 |
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 | 5,000 |
| C3 | 6,000 |
| C4 | 8,000 |
| C5 | 8,000 |
| D1 | 12,000 |
| D2 | 12,000 |
| D3 | 14,000 |
| D4 | 14,000 |
| D5 | 16,000 |
Disability Guide Allowance
| Grade | Allowance (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5 – D5 | 20,000 |
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Leave Allowance (Paid Annually in January)
| Grade | Allowance (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5 | 4,000 |
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 | 6,000 |
| C3 | 6,000 |
| C4 | 6,000 |
| C5 | 6,000 |
| D1 | 10,000 |
| D2 | 10,000 |
| D3 | 10,000 |
| D4 | 10,000 |
| D5 | 10,000 |
House Allowance by Region
| Grade | Nairobi (Hse1) | Major Municipalities (Hse2) | Minor Municipalities (Hse3) | Other Areas (Hse4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 6,750 | 4,500 | 3,850 | 3,200 |
| C1 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 5,800 | 4,200 |
| C2 | 16,500 | 12,800 | 9,600 | 7,500 |
| C3 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 13,000 |
| C4 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 13,000 |
| C5 | 35,000 | 25,500 | 18,000 | 15,400 |
| D1 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D2 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D3 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D4 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D5 | 50,000 | 35,000 | 25,000 | 20,000 |
Hardship Allowance
| Grade | Allowance (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5 | 6,600 |
| C1 | 8,200 |
| C2 | 10,900 |
| C3 | 12,300 |
| C4 | 14,650 |
| C5 | 17,100 |
| D1 | 27,300 |
| D2 | 27,300 |
| D3 | 31,500 |
| D4 | 31,500 |
| D5 | 38,100 |
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Teachers’ Salary Structure in Kenya: What You Need to Know
Teachers in job group C1 include primary teacher I, secondary teacher III, and lecturer III. Their basic monthly salary falls between Ksh. 28,491 and Ksh. 35,614.
Professionals in the C3 category, such as senior teacher I, secondary teacher I, SNE teacher I (Primary), SNE teacher II (Secondary), and lecturer I, earn between Ksh. 44,412 and Ksh. 56,514. This grade signifies a moderate level of seniority and experience.
Job group C4 encompasses senior roles such as senior lecturer IV, deputy head teacher II, senior master IV, SNE senior teacher (Primary), and SNE teacher I (Secondary). Their salaries range from Ksh. 52,308 to Ksh. 67,220, reflecting their advanced responsibilities.
Primary School Teachers’ Pay Scale
Primary school teachers’ salaries range widely. While a primary teacher II receives around Ksh. 28,491, a head teacher can earn up to Ksh. 78,667 depending on rank and experience. This makes the teaching profession accessible yet offers potential for upward growth.
Secondary School Teacher Salary Overview
A secondary school teacher’s income depends on their job group. While a secondary teacher III at the entry level earns Ksh. 35,614, a principal at the top level can receive up to Ksh. 127,069.
One secondary school teacher told TUKO.co.ke that the journey had been long and filled with challenges, but added, “The salary improvements have finally reflected the efforts we put in.”
Top Earners in the Teaching Profession
Chief principals sit at the top of the salary hierarchy. Their monthly basic pay ranges from Ksh. 131,380 to Ksh. 159,534, making them the highest-paid educators in Kenya. This role often includes oversight responsibilities and years of experience.
The Role of Allowances in Teacher Compensation
Allowances supplement the basic salaries and are categorized into two types: remunerative and reimbursable. Remunerative allowances are added to monthly pay and are consistent, while reimbursable ones, such as travel and per diem, require application and approval.
Collective Bargaining and Salary Reforms
The three-phase implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) has brought positive change to teacher salaries. These agreements have especially benefited primary and secondary school educators who had long endured inadequate pay.
A TSC secondary teacher explained that past strikes and protests had forced the employer to reconsider salary terms. He emphasized that the negotiations led to significant changes, stating that teacher unions had been instrumental in advocating for fair compensation.
Another educator remarked, “Without collective efforts, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The CBAs have truly changed our lives.”
Current TSC Teachers Salary Scale, Allowances and Grading/Titles for Newly Promoted and Non-Promoted