Up to 2029: Full list of 11 teachers' job groups, their TSC basic salaries

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Teachers Service Commission activated the second phase of the 2025–2029 CBA in July 2026, backed by KSh 8.4 billion in the national budget

- By the close of the CBA cycle in 2028/29, entry-level teachers at Grade B5 are projected to earn between KSh 28,620 and KSh 37,100, while chief principals at Grade D5 are expected to earn up to KSh 167,415 per month

- Beyond basic pay, TSC teachers earn several allowances, including commuter, house, hardship, and leave allowances that vary by job group and duty station

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) implemented the second phase of its 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with revised basic monthly salaries now in effect across all 11 teacher job groups following the July 1, 2026 commencement date.

The updated pay structure covers positions from Primary Teacher II at the entry level all the way to Chief Principal at the top of the ladder. The government allocated KSh 8.4 billion in the 2026/2027 national budget to fund this phase, which remains in force until June 30, 2027.

CBA structure

TSC signed the KSh 33 billion CBA with three 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).

The agreement runs across four financial years, with salary increments ranging from 5% to 29.5% depending on the job group.

The third phase of the CBA is scheduled to take effect in July 2027, followed by the fourth and final phase in July 2028.

Job groups and salaries for teachers

Grade B5 is the entry point for Primary Teacher II, typically held by holders of a Primary Teacher Education (PTE) certificate or diploma.

Following the July 2026 salary review, basic salaries at this grade now range from KSh 26,225 to KSh 33,444 per month. By the end of the CBA cycle in 2028/29, teachers in this grade are projected to earn between KSh 28,620 and KSh 37,100.

Grade C1 covers Primary Teacher I and Secondary Teacher III positions, accommodating diploma holders in secondary schools and experienced primary teachers.

Current basic salaries range from KSh 32,423 to KSh 41,072. By 2028/29, this is projected to rise to between KSh 35,336 and KSh 47,261.

Grade C2 (Secondary Teacher II) currently offers KSh 41,100 to KSh 50,287, projected to reach KSh 41,420 to KSh 57,230 by 2028/29.

On the other end, grade D5 (Chief Principal) is the apex grade, currently offering KSh 133,351 to KSh 164,977, projected to reach KSh 135,321 to KSh 167,415 by 2028/29.

Job Group | T-Scale | Position / Designation | 2025/26 Basic Salary (KSh) | 2028/29 Projected Salary (KSh) |

B5 | 5 | Primary Teacher II | 26,225 – 33,444 | 28,620 – 37,100 |

C1 | 6 | Secondary Teacher III / Primary Teacher I | 32,423 – 41,072 | 35,336 – 47,261 |

C2 | 7 | Secondary Teacher II | 41,100 – 50,287 | 41,420 – 57,230 |

C3 | 8 | Secondary Teacher I | 48,754 – 62,659 | 49,781 – 66,233 |

C4 | 9 | Deputy Headteacher II / Senior Master IV | 57,667 – 72,988 | 58,585 – 77,120 |

C5 | 10 | Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher I / Senior Master III | 68,948 – 82,160 | 69,745 – 96,130 |

D1 | 11 | Deputy Principal III / Senior Headteacher / Curriculum Support Officer | 80,500 – 97,827 | 80,984 – 99,272 |

D2 | 12 | Deputy Principal II / Senior Curriculum Support Officer | 93,883 – 114,322 | 95,271 – 116,012 |

D3 | 13 | Principal / Deputy Principal I | 107,634 – 131,405 | 109,224 – 133,347 |

D4 | 14 | Senior Principal | 120,016 – 148,480 | 121,789 – 150,675 |

D5 | 15 | Chief Principal | 133,351 – 164,977 | 135,321 – 167,415 |

Teachers' allowances

Teachers also receive house allowances, which vary by duty station, with Nairobi attracting the highest rates. Commuter allowances range from KSh 4,000 at Grades B5 and C1 to KSh 16,000 at Grade D5.

Teachers posted to designated hardship areas receive an additional hardship allowance, while a once-a-year leave allowance ranges from KSh 4,000 for junior grades to KSh 10,000 for senior leadership grades D1 to D5. A disability guide allowance of KSh 20,000 applies uniformly across all grades.

Notably, the basic salaries and allowances are subject to statutory deductions and the Kenyan tax regime.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.