TSC Salary Increase Outrage: Teachers Cry Foul Over Meagre Pay Hike
By Street Staff Writer
Kenyan teachers are up in arms following the implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), which promised significant salary increments but has left many educators feeling shortchanged. Social media platforms, particularly X, are buzzing with frustration as teachers report receiving pay raises as low as KSh 36, sparking widespread outrage and accusations of broken promises.
The TSC signed the 2025–2029 CBA with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) on July 18, 2025, touting it as a landmark deal worth KSh 33.75 billion over four years. The agreement promised salary increases of up to 29.5% for lower-grade teachers and 5% for top earners, with the first phase effective from July 1, 2025, costing KSh 8.4 billion.
However, the reality reflected in July payslips has been far less impressive. Teachers in job group B5, the lowest cadre, expected their salaries to rise from KSh 23,830 to approximately KSh 28,600–37,100, while those in job group C1 anticipated a range of KSh 35,300–47,300. Higher cadres, such as chief principals in job group D5, were set to earn up to KSh 167,415. Yet, posts on X reveal that some teachers received increments as negligible as KSh 36 to KSh 600, with one user lamenting, “This can’t even buy cooking oil.”
Adding fuel to the fire, teachers discovered unauthorised deductions labeled ‘SWaL-KUPPET Union’ on their payslips, prompting KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori to demand an immediate halt. Misori explained that these deductions were likely TSC’s attempt to clear delayed union dues but were poorly timed and communicated, causing confusion and distress. KUPPET has since urged TSC to reverse the deductions and resolve the issue.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has also threatened to disrupt learning if the promised increments are not fully reflected in payslips. Secretary-General Collins Oyuu emphasized the union’s success in negotiating a 12–29.5% increment but warned of “strong resistance” if the TSC fails to deliver. KNUT had previously demanded a 60% salary increase, citing harsh economic conditions and inflation, but settled for the current deal after intense negotiations.
Teachers’ frustrations are compounded by the fact that allowances, such as commuter and hardship, remain unchanged, despite unions pushing for revisions to cushion educators against inflation. TSC plans to review the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) in June 2026, but for now, only the baggage allowance has been adjusted.
The government, through TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi, has defended the CBA, highlighting additional investments like recruiting 76,000 teachers, promoting educators across cadres, and retooling senior school teachers at a combined cost of KSh 4.35 billion. President William Ruto has also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, citing increased funding and plans to hire 24,000 more teachers by 2025.
Despite these assurances, the mood among teachers remains sour. On X, sentiments range from disbelief to anger, with users like @sholard_mancity questioning, “What happened to ‘better pay & conditions’?” The gap between the promised increments and the actual figures has eroded trust, with many educators feeling their hard work is undervalued.
As the TSC scrambles to address the backlash, including resolving the unauthorised deductions, the education sector braces for potential unrest. Teachers are demanding transparency, accountability, and a pay rise that truly reflects their critical role in shaping Kenya’s future. For now, the question remains: will the TSC deliver on its promises, or will the outrage lead to another wave of strikes?
Stay tuned to Street.co.ke for the latest updates on this developing story.