By Street Staff | August 21, 2025
Teachers in Kenya have long been the backbone of the nation’s education system, shaping the minds of future leaders. Yet, their salaries remain a contentious issue, sparking debates about fairness, economic realities, and the value of education. At Street.co.ke, we dive into the current state of teachers’ salaries in Kenya, why it matters, and what needs to change.
The Current Salary Landscape
According to recent data from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the salary structure for teachers in Kenya varies significantly based on job groups, qualifications, and years of service. As of 2025:
- Primary School Teachers: Entry-level teachers (Job Group K, formerly P1) earn a basic salary of approximately KSh 22,000 to KSh 28,000 per month. Senior primary teachers can earn up to KSh 40,000.
- Secondary School Teachers: Graduate teachers (Job Group L and above) start at around KSh 35,000, with more experienced teachers in higher job groups earning between KSh 50,000 and KSh 80,000.
- Allowances: Teachers receive allowances such as housing, commuter, and hardship pay (for those in remote areas), which can add KSh 5,000 to KSh 20,000 to their monthly earnings.
Despite these figures, many teachers argue that their salaries are not commensurate with their workload or the rising cost of living. Inflation, coupled with high taxes, has eroded their purchasing power, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
The Struggle is Real
Teachers across Kenya have voiced their frustrations through unions like the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). Frequent strikes and protests in recent years have highlighted key grievances:
- Delayed Salary Increments: Promised pay raises under Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) have often been delayed or partially implemented due to budget constraints.
- Disparities in Pay: Teachers in higher job groups or urban areas often earn significantly more than their counterparts in rural or marginalized regions.
- Workload vs. Pay: With the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), teachers face increased workloads, including preparing new teaching materials and handling larger class sizes, without corresponding pay adjustments.
A 2024 KNUT survey revealed that 68% of teachers felt their salaries were insufficient to cover basic needs like housing, healthcare, and education for their own children. “We mold the future, but we can’t afford to live decently,” said Jane Wambui, a primary school teacher in Nairobi.
Why It Matters
Underpaying teachers doesn’t just affect them—it impacts the entire education system. Low salaries lead to:
- Teacher Shortages: Many qualified educators are leaving the profession for better-paying opportunities in the private sector or abroad.
- Low Morale: Financial stress affects teachers’ motivation, which can translate into lower-quality teaching and poorer student outcomes.
- Inequality in Education: Schools in marginalized areas, where hardship allowances are minimal, struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers.
Investing in teachers’ salaries is an investment in Kenya’s future. Better-paid teachers are more likely to stay in the profession, deliver quality education, and inspire the next generation.
The Way Forward
To address the salary crisis, stakeholders must come together for sustainable solutions:
- Implement CBAs Fully: The government should prioritize fulfilling salary increment promises made in CBAs to restore trust with teachers’ unions.
- Adjust for Inflation: Introduce a mechanism to periodically review and adjust teachers’ salaries in line with inflation and living costs.
- Incentivize Rural Teachers: Increase hardship allowances and provide non-monetary incentives, like housing or professional development, for teachers in remote areas.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private sectors to fund teacher welfare programs, reducing the burden on public coffers.
The TSC and the Ministry of Education have promised reforms, with a proposed 2025 budget allocating KSh 10 billion to enhance teachers’ welfare. However, teachers and unions remain skeptical, calling for transparency and timelines.
A Call to Action
At Street.co.ke, we believe teachers deserve more than applause—they deserve fair pay for their invaluable work. As Kenyans, we must advocate for policies that prioritize education and ensure teachers are compensated fairly. Share your thoughts on teachers’ salaries in the comments below or join the conversation on X at @StreetKE.
Let’s stand with our teachers. Their fight is our fight.
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