Teachers across Kenya will begin receiving higher salaries starting with this month’s payroll after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) implemented the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The revised salary scales, which took effect on July 1, 2026, will increase teachers’ monthly earnings by up to Sh2,055 depending on their job grade, with teachers in grades C2 and C3 receiving the highest adjustments.
In a circular dated July 16, the TSC directed all County Directors of Education to immediately implement the new salary scales, which will remain in force until June 30, 2027.
According to the Commission, all teachers employed by July 1, 2026, will benefit from the salary review except intern teachers. Existing allowances, including house allowance, hardship allowance, commuter allowance, annual leave allowance and disability guide allowance, will remain unchanged.
Under the new structure, Chief Principals in Grade D5 will earn between Sh133,351 and Sh164,977 per month, while other senior school administrators and classroom teachers will also move to higher salary bands in line with the agreement.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno welcomed the salary increase but said more still needs to be done.
“This increment is a positive step and will provide some relief to teachers struggling with the high cost of living. However, it is still not sufficient to fully address the challenges facing teachers,” Otieno said.
He added that KNUT will continue pushing for shorter CBA cycles to allow more frequent negotiations on salaries and welfare.
“Beyond salaries, the government must address teacher shortages, delayed promotions, better medical cover and improved working conditions if the profession is to attract and retain qualified educators,” he said.
Teacher unions say that while the salary review is a welcome development, addressing broader welfare concerns remains essential to improving the quality of education and retaining experienced teachers in Kenya.
