Nairobi, Kenya – The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has initiated the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in July 2021. This phase covers the remuneration cycle for teachers, ensuring that their terms of service are continuously improved, in alignment with both teacher unions and government directives. Effective from July 1, 2024, this step is part of an ongoing effort to standardize pay across various grades of teachers, providing substantial increases in salaries, allowances, and other benefits that reflect the ever-evolving demands of the teaching profession.
The journey of the 2021-2025 CBA began on July 13, 2021, when the TSC signed agreements with three major teacher unions: 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). This was a critical moment for the profession as it outlined the terms and conditions of service, covering job titles, salary increments, and numerous allowances for teachers in the next four years.
However, the review did not stop with the initial signing of the agreement. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) advised further amendments to this CBA, leading to a reviewed version that was finalized on August 28, 2023. This revised agreement sets out a two-phase implementation process, with the first phase initiated in July 2023 and the second phase now taking effect in July 2024.
Who Will Benefit?
One of the key takeaways from this recent implementation phase is the number of teachers benefiting from the reviewed CBA. This circular will affect all teachers currently in service as of July 1, 2024, with the exception of intern teachers. TSC’s approach is to ensure that the remuneration adjustments apply across the board, ensuring uniformity and equity.
According to the circular issued by the TSC, the process will remain in effect until June 30, 2025. During this period, teachers will experience a shift in their salary structures, incremental dates, and other allowances. The circular also makes clear that teachers whose incremental dates fall on July 1, 2024, will receive their annual salary increment as usual. They will then transition to the new salary points outlined by the CBA, meaning they will benefit both from their annual increment and the reviewed salary conversion.
Annual Salary Increments
TSC’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work of Kenyan teachers is also reflected in its adherence to the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015). Under the new CBA, the annual salary increment process will continue as stipulated. This provision is crucial for ensuring that teachers’ compensation keeps pace with their growing experience and contributions to the education system.
Breaking Down the New Pay Structure
To better understand the impact of this phase of the CBA, it’s helpful to examine the specific areas covered by the agreement. The revised salary structure has brought about significant changes, including the reorganization of job titles, salary scales, and allowances.
Job Titles and Salary Scales:
The TSC has retained the current job titles, which have been standardized across different grades of teachers. The new grading and salary structures are outlined in Tables 1 through 12 in the circular, which categorize the various positions in the teaching profession. For instance, a Chief Principal, classified under grade D5 and T-scale 15, can expect to see their salary increase from Ksh 131,380 in 2023 to Ksh 162,539 by 2024.
Similarly, Senior Principals, Principals, Deputy Principals, Senior Masters, and various grades of Secondary and Primary Teachers will see their pay increase over the next year as they transition to new salary points. Each grade’s salary points have been meticulously adjusted to reflect the rising cost of living and the critical role that teachers play in the development of Kenya’s future generations.
Allowances:
The reviewed CBA also addresses the issue of allowances, particularly house allowances, which have been clustered based on geographic locations. Previously, there were four clusters; however, the new agreement has reduced this to three. Teachers in Cluster 4, which has now been phased out, will be shifted to Cluster 3. The clusters are organized as follows:
- Cluster 1: Nairobi City
- Cluster 2: Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru Cities, Nyeri, Eldoret, Thika, Kisii, Malindi, and Kitale municipalities.
- Cluster 3: All other areas.
These new house allowance rates vary significantly depending on location, with teachers in Nairobi City receiving the highest rates. For example, a teacher in grade B5 in Nairobi will receive a house allowance of Ksh 6,750, while their counterparts in Cluster 2 will receive Ksh 4,500, and those in Cluster 3 will receive Ksh 3,850. These variations are designed to address the different costs of living across Kenya’s diverse regions.
Additionally, hardship allowances, commuter allowances, annual leave allowances, and disability guide allowances remain unchanged from the previous agreement. This means that teachers working in challenging or remote areas will continue to receive support to mitigate the difficulties of their work environment.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on Kenyan Education
The implementation of this second phase of the CBA marks a significant step in the ongoing transformation of Kenya’s education sector. By ensuring that teachers are better compensated for their work, the government aims to boost morale, improve the quality of teaching, and ultimately enhance the educational outcomes for Kenyan students.
The reviewed CBA not only seeks to standardize salaries but also addresses broader issues of teacher welfare. By maintaining and improving various allowances, the agreement ensures that teachers are able to focus on their primary role: educating the next generation of Kenyans.
Furthermore, this development comes at a critical time when Kenya’s education system is undergoing various reforms, including the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The success of these reforms depends heavily on the motivation and dedication of teachers. As such, the CBA serves as a tool for motivating teachers and ensuring they are well-positioned to implement these ambitious reforms.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Teachers?
While the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA is now underway, attention is already turning to the future. As the current agreement comes to a close in June 2025, discussions are likely to begin on the next CBA, with teacher unions expected to push for further improvements in remuneration and working conditions.
The impact of this agreement is not limited to financial compensation. It also represents a broader recognition of the value of teachers in Kenyan society. By ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated, the TSC and the government are acknowledging the essential role that educators play in shaping the future of the nation.
Challenges and Concerns
While the CBA’s implementation is largely seen as a positive step forward, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One concern that has been raised by some teacher unions is the exclusion of intern teachers from the benefits of the new salary structures. Intern teachers play a crucial role in alleviating the teacher shortage in Kenya, and many believe that they should be included in future CBAs.
There are also ongoing discussions about the adequacy of the allowances, particularly in relation to the rising cost of living. While the CBA has made strides in adjusting salaries and allowances, some teachers feel that the increases may not be enough to cover the increasing costs of housing, transportation, and other essentials.
Conclusion
The implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA is a significant milestone for Kenya’s teaching profession. By providing clear guidelines on salary increments, allowances, and job titles, the TSC is ensuring that teachers are better supported in their work. As the country continues to reform its education system, this CBA will play a vital role in ensuring that teachers remain motivated and committed to providing quality education for all Kenyan students.
