Teachers Demand Review Of Annual Leave Allowance By Tsc
Kenyan teachers are calling on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to review their annual leave allowance to better align with civil service standards. A survey by Teachers Arena revealed that the majority of educators want their leave allowance adjusted to at least half of their basic salary per job group, matching benefits enjoyed by civil servants.
This appeal comes as teachers’ unions—KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET—prepare submissions for the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations for 2025–2029.
Current Leave Allowance Rates
TSC currently pays annual leave allowances based on job groups, with payments included in January salaries:
- Lowest (B5): Ksh 4,000
- Highest (D5): Ksh 10,000
Teachers argue these rates are insufficient compared to allowances received by other public service professionals.
Leave Entitlements
Teachers under TSC employment are entitled to several types of leave, including:
- Annual Leave: Maximum of 30 days per calendar year, only during school holidays.
- Sick Leave
- Compassionate Leave
- Paternity Leave
- Maternity Leave
- Study Leave
- Special Leave
- Adoption Leave
- Spouse of Diplomat Leave
Annual leave must be applied for online and cannot be carried forward to subsequent years, as outlined in the TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT).
Online Leave Application System
Since December 1, 2021, TSC has fully automated the leave application and approval process. All teachers on the TSC payroll, including interns, are required to use the online platform to apply for leave.
CBA 2025–2029 Negotiations
Teachers are urging unions to push for a review of the leave allowance during the CBA 2025–2029 negotiations. Educators believe that aligning their benefits with civil service standards will improve their morale and financial well-being.
Circular 14/2021 Leave Allowance Rates
The current leave allowance rates, established under CBA 2021–2025, are viewed as outdated and inadequate. Teachers advocate for a structure that better reflects their contribution to the education sector.
As negotiations for the new CBA progress, teachers remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed and that the TSC will implement a fairer leave allowance structure.
| Grade | Annual Leave Allowance |
| B5 | 4,000 |
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 | 6,000 |
| C3 | 6,000 |
| C4 | 6,000 |
| C5 | 6,000 |
| D1 | 10,000 |
| D2 | 10,000 |
| D3 | 10,000 |
| D4 | 10,000 |
| D5 | 10,000 |
