Salary Increment Details
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to implement a salary increase for teachers starting August 2024, with retroactive payments dating back to July 1, 2023. This adjustment follows the allocation of KSh 10 billion by the Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, specifically for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Background of the CBA
The 2021-2025 CBA, which was signed by TSC and teachers’ unions—Kenya National Union of Teachers, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers—on August 28, 2023, was originally planned to be funded through the 2024 Finance Bill. However, proposed budget cuts by the Treasury have delayed its implementation.
Phased Increment Implementation
The salary increments will be applied in two phases. The first phase began on July 1, 2023, and the second phase is scheduled for July 1, 2024. Initially, the adjustments were expected to be reflected in the July 2024 payslips, but due to the delay, they will now appear in August 2024.
House Allowance Categories
The revised house allowance rates are divided into four clusters:
- Cluster 1: Nairobi City
- Cluster 2: Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Eldoret, Thika, Kisii, Malindi, and Kitale municipalities
- Cluster 3: Other former municipalities
- Cluster 4: All other areas
Increased Budget Allocations
In addition to salary increments, the Basic Education budget will rise by KSh 14.3 billion to KSh 131.2 billion. This increase supports free primary education, free day secondary education, and Junior Secondary School. Specifically, KSh 11.98 billion is allocated for free primary education, KSh 2.4 billion for free day secondary education, and KSh 5 billion for national tests and examinations for approximately 3.5 million learners in Grade Three, Six, and Form Four.
Additional Funding for Teacher Resource Management
TSC will receive an additional KSh 29.5 billion for Teacher Resource Management. This includes KSh 17.6 billion for converting 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable positions, and KSh 11.9 billion for teachers’ medical cover. TSC CEO Nancy Macharia noted that if funding permits, comprehensive medical cover, group life, personal accident, and Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) will be included in the teachers’ benefits. The third-year teachers’ medical contract, starting December 1, is expected to cost KSh 20.6 billion.
Higher Education and Research Budget Increase
The Higher Education and Research budget will increase by KSh 1.15 billion, reaching KSh 120.4 billion. This increase aims to mitigate any shocks in student funding and to support school meal programs for improved attendance, nutrition, and economic stability.
