Kenyan teachers serving under Grade C5 (T-Scale 10) are closely following developments surrounding the implementation of the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is expected to take effect from 1 July 2026. While the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is yet to officially publish the detailed salary conversion table for every salary point, fresh projections based on the first phase of the CBA suggest that teachers in Grade C5 could receive another increase in their basic salaries.
The projections have generated significant discussion among headteachers, deputy headteachers and other educators in Grade C5, especially as the government has already confirmed funding for the second phase of the salary review under the current CBA. Reports indicate that the government allocated KSh 8.4 billion for the July 2026 implementation, which forms part of the wider KSh 33.75 billion four-year agreement between TSC and teachers’ unions.
Projected Grade C5 Salary Scale (Phase 2 – July 2026)
Based on repeating the exact cash increment awarded during Phase 1, the projected salaries for Grade C5 are as follows:
| Salary Point | 2024 Salary | 2025 Salary | Increase | Projected 2026 Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KSh 62,272 | KSh 67,900 | KSh 5,628 | KSh 73,528 |
| 2 | KSh 64,880 | KSh 71,100 | KSh 6,220 | KSh 77,320 |
| 3 | KSh 67,597 | KSh 72,828 | KSh 5,231 | KSh 78,059 |
| 4 | KSh 70,428 | KSh 75,978 | KSh 5,550 | KSh 81,528 |
| 5 | KSh 73,377 | KSh 78,100 | KSh 4,723 | KSh 82,823 |
| 6 | KSh 76,450 | KSh 79,100 | KSh 2,650 | KSh 81,750 |
| 7 | KSh 79,651 | KSh 81,100 | KSh 1,449 | KSh 82,549 |
Summary of Projected 2026 Salaries
- Salary Point 1 – KSh 73,528
- Salary Point 2 – KSh 77,320
- Salary Point 3 – KSh 78,059
- Salary Point 4 – KSh 81,528
- Salary Point 5 – KSh 82,823
- Salary Point 6 – KSh 81,750
- Salary Point 7 – KSh 82,549
It is important to note that these figures are projections only. They are calculated by applying the same cash increment awarded during Phase 1 of the CBA to the 2025 salary figures. The final salary structure will only become official once TSC releases its implementation circular.
Who Falls Under Grade C5?
Grade C5 (T-Scale 10) mainly covers experienced school administrators such as Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers in designated institutions. Teachers in this grade carry significant leadership responsibilities that include school management, curriculum supervision, financial accountability and staff coordination.
Under the 2025–2029 CBA, Grade C5 benefited from one of the stronger salary adjustments among middle-management positions as the government sought to improve teachers’ earnings while narrowing historical pay disparities.
Why Teachers Expect Another Increase
The current CBA was designed to be implemented in four phases beginning in July 2025 and ending in June 2029. Rather than awarding the entire increment at once, salary reviews are spread across the implementation period to reduce pressure on the national budget while ensuring teachers receive gradual improvements in pay.
Government officials have already indicated that funding has been secured for Phase Two, raising expectations that revised salaries will begin reflecting in teachers’ payrolls from July 2026 once implementation guidelines are issued.
What Could Change?
Although the projected figures are based on repeating the same cash increment awarded during Phase One, TSC could adopt a different approach when releasing the official salary conversion table. Adjustments may vary depending on salary points, budget considerations or any negotiated implementation guidelines.
For that reason, teachers are advised to treat the projected salary scale as an estimate rather than a confirmed pay structure.
Impact on Teachers
If the projections are confirmed, many Grade C5 teachers will see their monthly basic salary move beyond the KSh 80,000 mark. The increase would boost pensionable earnings and improve other salary-linked benefits.
Higher basic salaries also strengthen teachers’ overall remuneration package, although statutory deductions such as PAYE, pension contributions and other deductions will also increase proportionately.
Awaiting the Official Circular
Teachers across Kenya are now waiting for TSC to publish the official Phase Two implementation circular detailing the approved salary scales for every job group and salary point. The circular will provide definitive figures and confirm the exact amount each teacher will earn beginning in July 2026.
Until then, the projected Grade C5 salary scale offers a useful indication of what educators might expect if the Commission maintains the same cash increment pattern used during the first phase of the 2025–2029 CBA.
As anticipation builds, thousands of teachers will be watching closely for TSC’s final announcement, hoping that the second phase delivers another meaningful improvement to their monthly earnings.
