TSC and KUPPET Seal Deal on Salary Increases for Teachers

Teachers’ salaries across Kenya are set to increase following the signing of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Teachers Service Commission and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers. The agreement, finalized on Friday, July 18, 2025, promises a 5% raise for the highest earners and a substantial 29% increment for the lowest paid, addressing long-standing demands for equitable pay. The new basic monthly pay structure reflects these changes, with grades ranging from B5 at Sh28,600–Sh37,100 to D5 at Sh135,300–Sh167,400, offering hope to educators nationwide. “This is a victory for us after years of waiting,” said a primary school teacher in Nakuru, adjusting his lesson plan with a smile.

The CBA marks a significant step toward recognizing the diverse needs within the teaching profession, with the largest boost targeting those at the lower end of the pay scale. Teachers in grade B5, often new entrants or those in rural postings, will see their salaries rise from previous levels to a range of Sh28,600–Sh37,100, a 29% increase that eases financial strain. “I can finally support my family better,” remarked a young teacher in Kisumu, standing outside her classroom as colleagues gathered to discuss the news. The increment aims to attract and retain talent in challenging environments, where turnover has been high due to low pay.

Moving up the ladder, grade C1 teachers will now earn between Sh35,300 and Sh47,300, while C2 salaries will span Sh41,400 to Sh57,200. These adjustments, though less dramatic than the 29% hike, still reflect a commitment to gradual improvement. A senior teacher in Mombasa, overseeing a bustling school corridor, noted, “It’s not much, but it helps with the rising costs.” The C3 grade, covering head teachers and senior educators, will see pay rise to Sh49,800–Sh66,200, acknowledging their leadership roles. “We’ve earned this through hard work,” said a head teacher in Eldoret, addressing her staff during a brief meeting.

Higher grades benefit from the 5% increase, with C4 teachers now earning Sh58,600–Sh77,100 and C5 reaching Sh69,700–Sh96,100. These increments cater to principals and senior administrators, whose responsibilities have grown with educational reforms. “It’s a fair recognition of our efforts,” said a principal in Nairobi, reviewing budget plans that now account for the raise. The D1 grade, encompassing chief principals, will range from Sh81,000 to Sh99,300, while D2 salaries will climb to Sh95,300–Sh116,000. A chief principal in Thika expressed relief, “This will allow us to focus on school development.”

At the top end, D3 teachers will earn Sh109,200–Sh133,300, D4 will see Sh121,800–Sh150,700, and D5, the highest grade, will range from Sh135,300 to Sh167,400. These 5% increases for top earners, while modest compared to the lower grades, still provide a boost amid inflation. “Every shilling counts in these times,” said a D5 teacher in Nyeri, preparing for a staff training session. The tiered approach ensures that while senior educators gain, the most vulnerable teachers see the greatest relief, balancing equity and experience.

The agreement’s signing followed months of negotiations, with KUPPET pushing for significant raises to address cost-of-living pressures. The union highlighted that the 29% hike for the lowest paid addresses a gap that had widened since the last CBA in 2021. “We fought for those at the bottom; they deserve it most,” said a KUPPET official during a press briefing, his voice carrying the weight of the struggle. TSC, on the other hand, emphasized fiscal sustainability, ensuring the raises align with budget constraints. “This is a balanced deal,” noted a commission representative, outlining the phased implementation starting August 2025.

Reactions across the country reflect a mix of celebration and cautious optimism. In rural Bungoma, a teacher tending to a school garden remarked, “This will change lives in villages like ours.” Urban centers like Kisumu saw teachers gathering in staff rooms, discussing how the raise could cover rising food and transport costs. “I can afford bus fare now without stress,” said a C1 teacher, packing her bag for the day. However, some expressed skepticism, with a veteran educator in Mombasa adding, “We’ll believe it when the money hits our accounts.”

The pay structure’s transparency, detailing ranges for each grade, aims to reduce disputes over promotions and allowances. Teachers in grade B5, starting at Sh28,600, can progress to Sh37,100 with experience, while D5’s top range of Sh167,400 reflects years of service and responsibility. “It gives us a clear path forward,” said a C3 head teacher in Garissa, reviewing the new scales with her deputy. The ranges also account for regional disparities, with rural postings potentially qualifying for additional hardship allowances.

Economic pressures have underscored the need for this raise, with inflation eroding purchasing power since 2021. Families in Naivasha, where teachers often support extended households, welcomed the news. “My children can stay in school now,” said a father outside a local school, his daughter skipping nearby. The 29% increase for the lowest paid, translating to thousands more per month, could lift many out of financial distress, a goal KUPPET emphasized during negotiations. “This is about dignity for our members,” a union leader reiterated.

Implementation will involve payroll adjustments, with TSC promising to roll out the new rates by August 1, 2025. Schools across Kenya buzzed with discussions, from Nairobi’s urban classrooms to Turkana’s remote outposts. A teacher in Kilifi, preparing lessons, noted, “We’re excited, but we need it on time.” The commission plans to conduct training for administrators to ensure smooth transitions, addressing past delays in CBA rollouts. “We’re committed to delivering this,” said a TSC officer during a regional meeting.

The agreement also addresses non-salary benefits, with talks of improved medical coverage and housing loans. A D2 teacher in Eldoret, overseeing a staff meeting, highlighted the potential. “Better health support will ease our burdens,” he said, as colleagues nodded. KUPPET secured commitments for periodic reviews, ensuring the CBA adapts to economic shifts over the next four years. “This isn’t the end; we’ll keep pushing,” a union representative promised.

Public response has been largely positive, with parents and students acknowledging teachers’ contributions. In Murang’a, a mother waiting to pick up her child remarked, “Happy teachers mean better education.” However, some taxpayers in Nairobi questioned the cost, with a shopkeeper noting, “The government should fund this properly.” The raises, estimated at billions annually, will draw from the national budget, a move TSC defends as an investment in education. “Quality teaching drives our future,” a commissioner argued.

The CBA’s signing coincided with renewed focus on education, following debates over curriculum and school funding. Teachers in rural areas like Mandera, where resources are scarce, see the raise as a morale booster. “We can focus on teaching, not survival,” said a C1 teacher, grading papers under a flickering bulb. Urban educators, facing classroom overcrowding, echoed the sentiment, with a C4 principal in Nakuru adding, “This gives us strength to keep going.”

Challenges remain, with concerns about delayed payments or incomplete implementation. A veteran teacher in Kisii, nearing retirement, recalled past CBAs. “We’ve seen promises fail before; let’s hope this sticks,” he said, sipping tea with colleagues. TSC has pledged to address such issues, setting up a helpline for grievances. “We want this to work for every teacher,” an official assured during a public forum.

As the day progressed, schools across Kenya hummed with anticipation. In Naivasha, teachers planned celebrations, while in Mombasa, a union branch organized a thank-you rally. The new pay scales, from B5’s Sh28,600 to D5’s Sh167,400, offered a tangible reward for a profession often overlooked. A young B5 teacher in Kitui, preparing for her next class, reflected, “This is just the start; we deserve more.” The 2025–2029 CBA stands as a milestone, its success tied to execution and ongoing dialogue.

The night brought quiet reflection, with teachers sharing the news with families. In Eldoret, a D3 educator cooked dinner, saying, “We can plan ahead now.” Across the nation, the agreement signaled hope, its impact to unfold over the coming years. The teaching community, from the lowest to the highest grades, looked toward a future where their work was better valued.