Are you wondering what the Kenya TSC and KUPPET Teachers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has changed in terms of salaries and allowances? You are in the right place. This article explains everything you need to know about the TSC and KUPPET Teachers CBA, the salary adjustments, new allowances, and how these changes affect teachers in Kenya in 2025.
Whether you are a teacher employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), a member of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), or just interested in understanding the impact of the CBA on Kenya’s education sector, this guide will give you a clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand breakdown.
We will also answer the most common questions Kenyan teachers have about the new CBA and compare the old and new pay structures for teachers under different job groups.
What is the TSC and KUPPET CBA?
A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding agreement between an employer and employees’ union(s) that outlines salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
In Kenya, teachers under TSC are represented by two major unions:
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Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) — mostly primary school teachers
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Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) — mostly secondary school teachers and lecturers
The CBAs are negotiated between the TSC and the unions (KNUT & KUPPET) and registered with the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
In 2021, the TSC signed a four-year CBA with the unions. However, after persistent lobbying by KUPPET and KNUT, an improved agreement was reached in late 2023 and began taking effect in 2024 into 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025 TSC and KUPPET CBA
Below are the main changes brought by the new CBA compared to the previous one:
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Increased basic salary for teachers across all job groups.
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Enhanced house allowance, especially for those posted in hardship areas.
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Introduction of commuter allowance for all teachers.
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Improved leave allowance, payable once annually.
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A review of hardship allowance to cover more teachers in remote counties.
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Commitment to promote teachers based on merit and experience.
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Provisions for salary progression to motivate experienced teachers.
Kenya Teachers Salary Changes Under the CBA (2025)
The salary increments under the 2025 CBA vary depending on the teacher’s grade (job group), qualifications, and location. Below is an overview of the new salary structure for teachers under TSC.
New Teachers Salary Structure Per Job Group
| Grade/Job Group | Old Basic Salary (KES) | New Basic Salary (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| B5 (Primary Teacher II) | 21,756 – 27,195 | 24,000 – 30,000 |
| C1 (Primary Teacher I) | 27,195 – 33,994 | 30,000 – 37,000 |
| C2 (Senior Teacher II) | 34,955 – 43,694 | 38,000 – 48,000 |
| C3 (Senior Teacher I) | 41,343 – 51,927 | 45,000 – 56,000 |
| C4 (Deputy Headteacher II) | 52,308 – 65,385 | 57,000 – 72,000 |
| C5 (Deputy Headteacher I) | 62,272 – 77,840 | 68,000 – 85,000 |
| D1 (Senior Master IV) | 77,840 – 93,408 | 85,000 – 100,000 |
| D2 (Senior Master III) | 91,041 – 109,249 | 100,000 – 120,000 |
| D3 (Senior Master II) | 104,644 – 125,573 | 115,000 – 135,000 |
| D4 (Senior Master I) | 118,242 – 141,891 | 130,000 – 150,000 |
| D5 (Chief Principal) | 131,380 – 157,656 | 145,000 – 170,000 |
New Allowances Under the 2025 CBA
House Allowance
Increased house allowance for teachers working in urban areas and hardship zones:
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Nairobi: Up to KES 20,000/month
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County headquarters: KES 10,000 – 15,000
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Rural areas: KES 4,000 – 6,000
Commuter Allowance
All teachers now receive a commuter allowance:
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Primary teachers: KES 4,000 – 6,000/month
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Secondary teachers: KES 6,000 – 10,000/month
Leave Allowance
Paid annually at the beginning of the year:
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KES 6,000 – 10,000 depending on grade
Hardship Allowance
Teachers working in arid and semi-arid areas receive:
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KES 8,200 – 30,000/month depending on location and job group
Comparison Table: Previous vs. New CBA Changes
| Component | Old (Pre-2023) | New (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | Lower by 10–20% | Higher across all grades |
| House Allowance | Limited to urban | Extended to hardship areas |
| Commuter Allowance | Not available | Introduced |
| Leave Allowance | KES 4,000–6,000 | Increased to KES 6,000–10,000 |
| Hardship Allowance | Fewer counties covered | More teachers included |
How the New CBA Benefits Teachers
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Higher take-home pay
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Better allowances for teachers in remote areas
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Motivation through merit-based promotions
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Improved working conditions and morale
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Strengthened job security
Challenges With Implementing the New CBA
While the new CBA is a step forward, it comes with challenges:
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Budgetary constraints for full implementation
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Delays in promotions and allowances processing
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Inequities in pay for teachers in similar roles across counties
How to Check Your New TSC Salary
Teachers can confirm their updated salaries by:
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Logging into the TSC Payslip Portal online
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Checking payslip for breakdown of new salary and allowances
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Visiting county TSC offices for assistance
Why KUPPET Advocated for the New CBA
KUPPET argued that:
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Teachers were underpaid compared to other civil servants.
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The cost of living had increased significantly.
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Teachers deserved better working conditions for improved learning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting salary for a primary teacher under the 2025 CBA?
Between KES 24,000 and KES 30,000 per month, depending on job group and location.
How much is the commuter allowance under the new CBA?
It ranges between KES 4,000 and KES 10,000 per month based on grade.
Do all teachers get the hardship allowance?
No. Only teachers posted in officially designated hardship areas qualify.
When did the new CBA take effect?
The improved CBA started being implemented progressively from late 2024 into 2025.
Does the new CBA cover KNUT members too?
Yes. Both KNUT and KUPPET members benefit from the improved CBA.
How much does a secondary school teacher earn in 2025?
Depending on their job group, between KES 30,000 and KES 170,000 per month.
Are promotions automatic under the new CBA?
No. Promotions depend on experience, performance, and available vacancies.
How does house allowance differ between urban and rural areas?
Teachers in Nairobi receive up to KES 20,000 while rural teachers get between KES 4,000 and 6,000.
What happens if TSC fails to implement the CBA?
The unions can take legal or industrial action to enforce compliance.
Are teachers’ salaries taxable?
Yes. Income tax, NHIF, and pension contributions apply.
Final Thoughts: Has the New CBA Improved Teachers’ Salaries?
The Kenya TSC and KUPPET Teachers CBA has undeniably improved teachers’ salaries and allowances, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of educators across the country. The increased pay and allowances recognize the vital role teachers play in national development and help motivate them to deliver better learning outcomes.
While there are still challenges in full implementation, the new CBA shows that dialogue between the TSC and unions can lead to meaningful improvements in the teaching profession.
If you are a teacher, keeping track of your payslip, understanding your allowances, and planning your career progression are essential to make the most of these changes.