KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu (centre) with other officials during a past meeting/COURTESY A salary increase of up to 29.5 per cent awaits teachers across the country following the release of a new pay structure by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The revised salary structure, effective from July 1, 2025, follows the signing of a new four-year collective bargaining agreement after successful negotiations between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers' unions.
According to a statement from the commission, the increase reflects its effort to address long-standing concerns over wage disparities across different teacher grades.
In the new structure, TSC has introduced a new salary band that significantly increases both the minimum and maximum monthly pay.
A strong emphasis has put on narrowing the gap between the lowest and highest-paid teachers in the public service.
The structure has been made in such a way that teachers in Grade B5 (TSC Scale 5), who previously earned less than Sh30,000, will now take home a minimum of Sh28,620, with the potential to earn up to Sh37,100.
On the other end of the scale, teachers in Grade D5 (TSC Scale 15) will now earn between Sh135,321 and Sh167,415 monthly.
The revised salaries reflect substantial gains across all 11 teaching grades.
For instance, a teacher in Grade C2 will now earn between Sh41,420 and Sh57,230, while a teacher in Grade D1 will receive between Sh80,984 and Sh99,272.
Those in Grade D4 will see their monthly pay range between Sh121,789 and Sh150,675.
Teachers in Grade C1 will earn between Sh35,336 and Sh47,261, Grade C3 (Sh49,781-Sh66,233), Grade C4 (Sh58,585-Sh77, 120) and Grade C5 (Sh69,745-Sh96,130).
Those in Grade D2 will get between Sh97,271-Sh116,012, Grade D3 (Sh109,224-Sh133,347).
The TSC said the salary review is part of broader efforts to uplift the teaching profession by making it more attractive and sustainable, especially for lower cadres who had previously voiced concerns over stagnated pay and limited progression.
In a statement, the commission noted, “This award is geared towards bridging the wage gap between the highest and lowest paid teacher in the public service. It is also a product of elaborate and inclusive negotiations with the leadership of KNUT, Kuppet, and Kusnet.”
The commission further stated that the structured increments would help motivate teachers, enhance equity, and improve overall service delivery within the education sector.
"It is our firm belief that through such progressive awards, the majority of the key concerns raised by the teachers have been fully addressed, and the Commission will be able to have a motivated, ethical and globally competitive teacher in its service," said TSC chairperson Jamleck Muturi.
Union leaders welcomed the increment, saying it marks a step forward in recognising the critical role teachers play in nation-building.
They praised the TSC for being responsive to their demands and for showing a genuine commitment to fair compensation.
The new salary structure follows the signing of a Sh33.7 billion CBA, which also includes enhanced allowances, promotions, and better working conditions for public school teachers over the next four years.
