Historic Agreement Reached After Year-Long Negotiations
In a major victory for educators, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has signed a groundbreaking Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) (2025-2029) with teacher unions, awarding salary increments of up to 29.5% and addressing long-standing welfare concerns.
The deal, finalized today at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Nairobi, follows months of intense negotiations between the TSC and unions representing over 400,000 teachers in public schools.
Key Highlights of the New CBA
1. Salary Increases of Up to 29.5%
The most striking feature of the agreement is the substantial pay rise for teachers across all grades, aimed at narrowing the wage gap between the highest and lowest earners.
Salary Breakdown (Per Month):
| Grade | TSC Scale | Minimum Salary (Ksh) | Maximum Salary (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 5 | 28,620 | 37,100 |
| C1 | 6 | 35,336 | 47,261 |
| C2 | 7 | 41,420 | 57,230 |
| C3 | 8 | 49,781 | 66,233 |
| C4 | 9 | 58,585 | 77,120 |
| C5 | 10 | 69,745 | 96,130 |
| D1 | 11 | 80,984 | 99,272 |
| D2 | 12 | 95,271 | 116,012 |
| D3 | 13 | 109,224 | 133,347 |
| D4 | 14 | 121,789 | 150,675 |
| D5 | 15 | 135,321 | 167,415 |
2. Allowances & Additional Benefits
- Baggage Allowance Increase: Teachers will now receive higher baggage allowances, with rates ranging from Ksh 43 to Ksh 80 per kilometer, depending on grade.
- Pension for Dismissed Teachers: Even those dismissed from service will now be entitled to pension benefits.
- Lactating Teachers: Female teachers breastfeeding will get two hours off daily for two months.
3. Job Evaluation & Career Progression
A comprehensive Job Evaluation exercise will be conducted in the 2025/2026 financial year, with potential revisions to career progression guidelines afterward.
Government’s Financial Commitment
The total cost of the CBA over four years stands at a staggering Ksh 33.75 billion, with the first phase (effective 1st July 2025) costing Ksh 8.4 billion in salaries and allowances.
Additionally, the government has pledged:
- Ksh 2.4 billion for recruiting more teachers.
- Ksh 1 billion for teacher promotions.
- Ksh 950 million to retool senior school teachers.
Union & Government Reactions
TSC Chairperson Dr. Jamleck Muturi praised the unions—KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET—for their cooperation, calling the deal a “milestone for industrial harmony.”
He also thanked President William Ruto for his support, saying the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to improving education standards.
What This Means for Teachers & Learners
The deal is expected to:
✔ Boost teacher morale after years of salary stagnation.
✔ Reduce strikes, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
✔ Attract more talent to the teaching profession.
Conclusion: A Win for Kenya’s Education Sector
This landmark CBA marks a turning point for Kenya’s public education system, addressing key grievances while setting the stage for further reforms.
As teachers celebrate, the focus now shifts to implementation—ensuring that promises translate into tangible benefits for educators and, ultimately, students across the nation.
