2025–2029 CBA Proposal Introduces Risk Allowance of Up to Sh48,761 for Teachers

Teachers in Kenya have reason to celebrate as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) rolls out a new proposal in the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), recommending risk allowances of up to Sh48,761. This marks a significant step toward recognizing and compensating educators who work in challenging, remote, or potentially hazardous environments.

Graded Allowance Based on Job Groups

The proposed allowance structure is tiered, with higher job groups receiving proportionately higher risk allowances:

• Job Grade D5 (Basic Salary: Sh243,808.50):
  Risk Allowance: Sh48,761 (20% of salary) — highest bracket
• Grade D4: Sh45,348.66
• Grade D3: Sh41,428.16
• Grade D2: Sh37,168.89

These top-tier levels reflect the administrative responsibilities and increased risks teachers face in leadership positions, especially in high-risk environments.

Support for Classroom Teachers in Lower Grades

The proposal also aims to benefit teachers in lower grades, particularly those stationed in remote or underserved areas:

• Grade D1: Sh32,769.54
• Grade C5: Sh27,877.85
• Grade C4: Sh24,788.52
• Grade C3: Sh21,861.08

For classroom teachers in grades C2 and C1, the allowance would be:

• C2: Sh18,186.04
• C1: Sh14,521.26

This ensures equity and support across all job groups, recognizing the unique challenges each level encounters.

Union Support and Long-Awaited Recognition

Backed by teachers’ unions, the risk allowance proposal is hailed as a morale-boosting and timely intervention. It directly responds to years of advocacy for better compensation for teachers deployed in marginalized, insecure, or hardship-prone regions.

The new CBA is also expected to:

• Address salary imbalances across job categories
• Promote retention of skilled teachers in high-risk areas
• Reinforce teacher welfare and dignity

A Step Toward Fair Compensation

If implemented, this proposal could transform teacher welfare in Kenya. By tying compensation to the risks and challenges faced on the job, the TSC moves closer to ensuring fairness, dignity, and recognition for educators across the board.