Are you wondering how much commuter allowance teachers in Kenya earn every month? This guide explains everything about the Kenya commuter allowance for teachers, including how much is paid by job group, how it’s calculated, and how it contributes to the teacher’s overall monthly income.
If you’re a teacher, a job seeker considering a teaching career, or simply curious about the breakdown of a teacher’s monthly earnings, you’ll find clear and comprehensive answers here. We also explain the role of commuter allowance, who is entitled to it, and how it fits alongside other benefits and allowances provided by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
About the Kenya Teachers Service Commission and Allowances
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is the constitutional body mandated to manage the employment, remuneration, and welfare of teachers in public schools across Kenya.
Apart from the basic salary, teachers under TSC are entitled to a range of allowances, including:
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Commuter allowance
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House allowance
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Hardship allowance
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Leave allowance
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Responsibility allowance (for leadership positions)
These allowances are designed to supplement the basic pay and cater for specific needs such as housing, transport, and the costs of living in hardship areas.
Among these, the commuter allowance is particularly important because it helps teachers meet daily transport costs to and from school.
What is the Commuter Allowance for Teachers?
The commuter allowance is a monthly cash benefit paid to all TSC-employed teachers to cover transportation expenses incurred when commuting to work.
It is a fixed amount that varies depending on the teacher’s job group (grade/rank) and is reviewed periodically as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated between TSC and teachers’ unions like KNUT and KUPPET.
Unlike hardship allowance (which is location-specific) or responsibility allowance (which depends on the teacher’s position), commuter allowance is universal and paid to all teachers based on their salary scale.
Kenya Commuter Allowance for Teachers by Job Group (2025)
Below is the detailed breakdown of estimated monthly commuter allowances for teachers in Kenya in 2025, grouped by job group/grade.
Job Group B5 (Primary Teacher II)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 4,000
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Teachers at entry level into the profession.
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Covers newly employed P1 certificate holders in primary schools.
Job Group C1 (Primary Teacher I / Secondary Teacher III)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 4,000
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For teachers with diploma qualifications or experience at primary level and some secondary teachers.
Job Group C2 (Secondary Teacher II)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 5,000
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Typically includes graduate teachers with a degree and diploma teachers with experience.
Job Group C3 (Secondary Teacher I / Senior Teacher)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
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Teachers in leadership or senior positions at primary or secondary level.
Job Group C4 (Senior Master IV / Deputy Headteacher II)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
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Mid-level administrators and senior teachers.
Job Group C5 (Senior Master III / Deputy Headteacher I / Headteacher)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
Job Group D1 (Senior Master II / Principal II)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
Job Group D2 (Senior Master I / Principal I)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
Job Group D3 (Senior Principal)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
Job Group D4 (Chief Principal)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
Job Group D5 (Senior Chief Principal)
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Monthly Commuter Allowance: KES 6,000
Summary Table: Kenya Teachers’ Commuter Allowance in 2025
| Job Group | Grade/Position | Monthly Commuter Allowance (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| B5 | Primary Teacher II | 4,000 |
| C1 | Primary Teacher I / Secondary Teacher III | 4,000 |
| C2 | Secondary Teacher II | 5,000 |
| C3 | Secondary Teacher I / Senior Teacher | 6,000 |
| C4 | Senior Master IV / Deputy Headteacher II | 6,000 |
| C5 | Senior Master III / Headteacher | 6,000 |
| D1 | Senior Master II / Principal II | 6,000 |
| D2 | Senior Master I / Principal I | 6,000 |
| D3 | Senior Principal | 6,000 |
| D4 | Chief Principal | 6,000 |
| D5 | Senior Chief Principal | 6,000 |
How Is the Commuter Allowance Calculated?
The commuter allowance is not subject to location or distance but is determined solely by the teacher’s job group.
It is part of the teacher’s gross monthly pay and is taxable under Kenyan law as part of the total income.
It is reviewed through negotiations under the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), so increases usually coincide with new CBAs.
How Does the Commuter Allowance Fit Into a Teacher’s Monthly Pay?
The commuter allowance is in addition to the basic salary and other allowances, and it forms part of the teacher’s gross monthly earnings.
Example of Monthly Pay Breakdown for a C2 Teacher:
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Basic Salary: KES 34,955 – 43,694
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House Allowance: KES 7,500 – 16,500
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Commuter Allowance: KES 5,000
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Hardship Allowance: (if applicable) KES 8,200 – 38,100
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Responsibility Allowance: (if applicable)
In total, a teacher’s commuter allowance makes up a small but important portion of their overall monthly income.
Why Is Commuter Allowance Important?
Teachers often work in remote or suburban areas where commuting can be expensive and time-consuming. The allowance helps:
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Cover transport costs.
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Reduce financial stress.
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Ensure punctuality by mitigating fare challenges.
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Improve teacher morale and productivity.
How Does the Commuter Allowance Compare With Other Allowances?
| Allowance | Who Gets It? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter Allowance | All teachers, based on job group | Transport expenses |
| House Allowance | All teachers, based on location & job group | Housing support |
| Hardship Allowance | Teachers in designated hardship areas | Offset harsh conditions |
| Responsibility Allowance | Teachers in leadership/administrative roles | Added duties |
| Leave Allowance | All teachers (once yearly) | Vacation support |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the commuter allowance for Kenyan teachers in 2025?
It is a fixed monthly cash benefit paid to all TSC-employed teachers to help with transport costs. It ranges from KES 4,000 to KES 6,000 depending on the job group.
2. Who qualifies for the commuter allowance?
All teachers under TSC, from job group B5 to D5, qualify regardless of location.
3. Does the commuter allowance change based on distance traveled?
No. It is fixed by job group and not affected by distance or location.
4. Is commuter allowance taxable?
Yes, it is considered part of the gross salary and subject to PAYE deductions.
5. Has the commuter allowance increased in recent years?
Yes, it has been revised upwards several times as part of CBAs between TSC and teachers’ unions.
6. Does a teacher in a hardship area get higher commuter allowance?
No. Hardship allowance is separate; commuter allowance remains fixed by job group.
7. Do intern teachers get commuter allowance?
No. Intern teachers are paid a stipend which does not include standard allowances.
8. Does the commuter allowance apply to private school teachers?
No. Private schools set their own salary structures.
9. Can a teacher lose the commuter allowance?
Only if dismissed, retired, or employed in a position outside the TSC payroll.
10. How often is the commuter allowance paid?
Monthly, alongside the teacher’s salary.
Final Thoughts: Is the Commuter Allowance Sufficient?
The Kenya commuter allowance for teachers is a critical part of the TSC compensation package. While modest, it eases the financial burden of daily travel to and from school, especially in urban and peri-urban areas with high transport costs.
For most teachers, the allowance is appreciated but often does not fully cover actual commuting expenses. Teachers’ unions continue to advocate for higher commuter allowances to reflect rising costs of living and transport in Kenya.
If you’re a teacher or aspiring to join the profession, understanding the breakdown of your monthly pay—including commuter allowance—will help you plan your finances better and set realistic expectations about your earnings.