Thousands of teachers across the country will earn more from this month's payroll after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) implemented the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with monthly pay increases of up to Sh2,055.
The revised salary structure, which took effect on July 1, 2026, is expected to benefit teachers across all job grades, although the increase amount varies by grade and salary point.
Teachers in Grades C2 and C3 are among the biggest beneficiaries, with the highest monthly increase of Sh2,055 going to Secondary Teacher I officers in Grade C3. The smallest adjustment, starting at Sh693, will be received by Deputy Principals II.
In a circular dated July 16, the commission directed all regional, county and sub-county directors to immediately implement the revised salary structure, which will remain in force until June 30, 2027.
The implementation marks the second phase of the four-year salary agreement signed between TSC and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet).
Under the new salary scales, teachers will retain their current job grades and titles while moving to new salary points. Those whose annual salary increment falls on July 1 will first receive their annual increment before being migrated to the revised salary structure.
“This Circular shall apply to all teachers in service as at 1st July, 2026, except interns. This Circular is effective from 1st July, 2026 to 30* June, 2027. Teachers converting to the new salary scales will retain their current incremental dates. However, where the incremental date falls on 1st July, 2026, teachers will be granted their annual increment on the existing salary scales, then convert to the new salary points with effect from the same date,” read the circular.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Chairman Amboko Milemba, KUPPET Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima, Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chairperson Jamleck Muturi during the signing of the new Career Progression Guidelines at the TSC headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on June 18, 2026.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Among the highest-paid teachers, Chief Principals in Grade D5 (T-Scale 15) will now earn between Sh133,351 and Sh164,977, up from Sh132,365 and Sh163,758 under the previous phase of the agreement.
Senior Principals and Chief Curriculum Support Officers in Grade D4 will earn between Sh120,016 and Sh148,480, while Principals and Deputy Principals I in Grade D3 will take home between Sh107,634 and Sh131,405.
Teachers in Grade D2, including Deputy Principals II and Senior Headteachers, will now earn between Sh93,883 and Sh114,322, while Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers in Grade D1 will also benefit from the revised salary scales.
These include house allowance, hardship allowance, commuter allowance, baggage allowance, annual leave allowance and disability guide allowance, where applicable.
KNUT Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno welcomed the implementation of the salary review but said the union would push for a shorter CBA cycle to enable teachers to negotiate improved terms more frequently.
Hesbon Otieno, deputy secretary-general of the Kenya National Union Teachers (Knut) during a press conference after a meeting at Winstar Hotel in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, on June 21, 2021.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
He said teachers had already raised the matter with President William Ruto during a recent meeting at State House and that discussions would now continue with TSC and the Ministry of Education.
“We are monitoring the implementation of the agreement and will immediately begin discussions on shortening the implementation phases. During our State House visit, we presented our concerns to the President, who agreed that the period for reviewing the CBA should be reduced,” Mr Otieno said.
He, however, noted that while the pay rise would offer some relief, it would not fully address the challenges facing teachers.
“Any salary increment may not adequately address all the challenges teachers face, but it goes some way towards addressing their concerns,” he said.
The salary review comes after years of complaints by teachers over stagnant pay, rising living costs and delayed career progression.
Teachers' unions have also raised concerns over chronic staff shortages, growing workloads, delayed promotions, inadequate medical cover and prolonged periods of serving in acting positions without corresponding benefits.
While welcoming the latest salary adjustment, the unions maintain that better remuneration must be accompanied by improved working conditions if the education sector is to attract and retain qualified teachers.
