In a landmark move, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to sign a groundbreaking Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with teachers’ unions this Friday, marking the end of months of intense negotiations. The deal, approved after high-level consultations with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), will see teachers’ salaries rise by 16% to 32% over three years, alongside a 20% increase in all allowances.
The agreement, hailed as a major victory for educators, follows the rejection of an earlier four-year pay proposal by unions, who argued for faster implementation. The new CBA, covering 2025–2029, also retains hardship allowances for teachers in marginalised regions and introduces structural reforms, including the abolition of Job Groups B5 and C4—a move expected to streamline promotions.
How the Salary Increases Will Work
Under the new CBA, teachers will receive phased salary increments:
- Year 1 (2025): 10% increase
- Year 2 (2026): Additional 8–12%
- Year 3 (2027): Final 6–10% adjustment
This structured approach ensures that the lowest-paid teachers, particularly those in Job Group B5, benefit the most, with some seeing their salaries rise by up to 32% by 2027. Meanwhile, higher-grade teachers will receive increases averaging 16–24%.
Allowances Get a 20% Boost
In addition to basic pay raises, all teacher allowances—including:
- Hardship allowance
- Commuter allowance
- House allowance
- Leave allowance
will increase by 20%, providing much-needed relief amid rising living costs. Crucially, the hardship zones system remains intact, ensuring teachers in remote areas continue receiving additional compensation.
Why Job Groups B5 and C4 Are Being Scrapped
One of the most significant structural changes in the new CBA is the elimination of Job Groups B5 and C4, a move aimed at simplifying the career progression framework.
- B5 (entry-level primary teachers) will be merged into a new grading structure.
- C4 (lower secondary teachers) will also be phased out, with affected teachers transitioning to revised job groups.
This reform is expected to reduce promotion bottlenecks and create a clearer path for career advancement.
Unions Hail “A Step in the Right Direction”
Teachers’ unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have welcomed the deal.
“This CBA addresses long-standing grievances on fair compensation,” said a union representative. “The three-year implementation period strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and teacher welfare.”
What Happens Next?
The official signing ceremony on Friday will unveil the full details of the agreement, including:
- Exact salary scales per job group
- Timelines for allowance adjustments
- Transition plans for abolished job groups
Education stakeholders are optimistic that the deal will improve morale, reduce strikes, and enhance service delivery in schools nationwide.
Conclusion: A Win for Teachers—But Challenges Remain
While the new CBA represents a major breakthrough, questions linger over budgetary allocations and implementation timelines. With Kenya’s economy still recovering, ensuring sustainable funding for the pay hikes will be critical.
For now, teachers can celebrate a hard-fought victory—one that promises better pay, fairer promotions, and improved working conditions for years to come.
