The TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya (2026) outlines the updated pay structure for all public school teachers following the new Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2025.
The agreement between the Teachers Service Commission and teacher unions introduced a structured salary review that will run from 2025 to 2029. It covers all job groups from primary school teachers to senior principals.
The new salary structure aims to improve teacher welfare, motivate performance, and align earnings with responsibility levels.
Understanding this salary scale helps teachers plan their careers, understand progression, and evaluate expected monthly income across different grades.
Overview of TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya 2026
The TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya (2026) is based on job groups ranging from B5 to D5. Each grade reflects a specific responsibility level within Kenya’s education system.
The Teachers Service Commission implemented this structure after signing a Ksh 33.75 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement with major teacher unions. The salary structure is designed to reward experience, qualifications, and leadership roles.
Teachers progress through job groups based on promotions, performance, and years of service. Higher grades such as D3, D4, and D5 represent senior leadership positions like principals and chief principals, while lower grades cover classroom teachers and deputy roles.
The salary scale also includes additional allowances such as housing, commuter, and hardship allowances, which significantly increase total monthly earnings depending on location and job group.
TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya 2026 Basic Salary Breakdown
The basic salary structure forms the core of the TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya (2026).
It varies across job groups and reflects experience and responsibility levels.
Basic Monthly Salary by Job Group
| Grade | Position | Basic Salary (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|
| B5 | Primary Teacher II | 28,620 – 37,100 |
| C1 | Secondary Teacher III | 35,336 – 47,261 |
| C2 | Secondary Teacher II | 41,420 – 57,230 |
| C3 | Senior Teacher | 49,781 – 66,233 |
| C4 | Deputy Headteacher / Senior Master | 58,585 – 77,120 |
| C5 | Headteacher / Deputy Principal | 69,745 – 96,130 |
| D1 | Deputy Principal III | 80,984 – 99,272 |
| D2 | Deputy Principal II | 95,271 – 116,012 |
| D3 | Principal | 109,224 – 133,347 |
| D4 | Senior Principal | 121,789 – 150,675 |
| D5 | Chief Principal | 135,321 – 167,415 |
This structure shows a steady increase in earnings as teachers advance through ranks.
The highest earners are school heads and senior principals, reflecting their administrative and leadership responsibilities.
Allowances in TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya 2026
Allowances form a major part of the total income for teachers under the new structure.
The TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya (2026) includes housing, commuter, and hardship allowances that vary by grade and location.
Housing Allowance Structure
| Grade | Cities | Municipalities | Other Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 8,775 | 5,850 | 5,005 |
| C1 | 13,000 | 9,750 | 7,540 |
| C2 | 21,450 | 16,640 | 12,480 |
| C3 | 36,400 | 28,600 | 21,450 |
| C4 | 36,400 | 28,600 | 21,450 |
| C5 | 45,500 | 33,150 | 23,400 |
| D1 | 58,500 | 36,400 | 27,300 |
| D2 | 58,500 | 36,400 | 27,300 |
| D3 | 58,500 | 36,400 | 27,300 |
| D4 | 58,500 | 36,400 | 27,300 |
| D5 | 65,000 | 35,000 | 32,500 |
Teachers working in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret receive higher allowances compared to those in rural areas.
Commuter and Hardship Allowances
Commuter and hardship allowances also improve total compensation for teachers depending on posting location.
Commuter Allowance
- B5: Ksh 8,000
- C1–C2: Ksh 10,000
- C3: Ksh 12,000
- C4–C5: Ksh 16,000
- D1–D2: Ksh 24,000
- D3–D4: Ksh 28,000
- D5: Ksh 32,000
Hardship Allowance
- B5: Ksh 9,900
- C1: Ksh 12,300
- C2: Ksh 16,350
- C3: Ksh 18,450
- C4: Ksh 21,975
- C5: Ksh 25,650
- D1: Ksh 30,900
- D2: Ksh 34,500
- D3: Ksh 38,100
- D4: Ksh 41,700
- D5: Ksh 45,300
These allowances significantly boost earnings, especially for teachers in hardship and remote areas.
Career Progression Under TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya 2026
Career progression under the TSC Salary Scale for Teachers in Kenya (2026) follows a structured promotion pathway managed by the Teachers Service Commission.
Teachers advance through job groups based on performance, qualifications, and experience.
Promotion Pathway and Growth Opportunities
Teachers start at lower grades such as B5 or C1 and progress through:
- Classroom teaching roles
- Senior teacher positions
- Deputy headteacher or senior master roles
- Headteacher or deputy principal positions
- Senior principal and chief principal leadership roles
Each promotion comes with increased responsibility, higher salary, and improved allowances. Teachers who pursue further education and training often progress faster within the system.
