TSC Aligns January Salaries with Annual Leave Allowance for Teachers

Teachers across Kenya are set to receive exciting news this month as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) prepares to issue January salaries with an added benefit. The January payroll will not only include regular salaries but also the annual leave allowance, offering educators an unexpected financial boost. This change marks the first payment under new salary structures reflecting teachers’ transition from internship contracts to permanent, pensionable positions.

A New Chapter for Teachers Transitioning to Permanent Roles

The most notable beneficiaries of these changes are the 46,000 teachers who were previously on internship contracts. These educators have now been transitioned into permanent, pensionable positions, enhancing their job security and improving their compensation and benefits package.

Teachers Benefiting from the Transition

The 46,000 teachers include:

21,550 junior school teachers
4,000 primary school teachers
450 secondary school teachers
20,000 teachers recruited between February and September 2023

These teachers were previously working under temporary internship contracts with limited benefits. Primary school interns earned KSh 13,000 per month, while secondary school interns earned KSh 17,000, after statutory deductions such as SHIF (School Health Insurance Fund), NSSF (National Social Security Fund), and housing levy.

Now, starting from January 2024, these teachers have been promoted to permanent and pensionable positions, resulting in:

Primary school teachers receiving a net salary of approximately KSh 32,000
Graduate secondary school teachers earning a net salary of up to KSh 47,000

In addition to these improved salaries, they will now gain access to comprehensive medical coverage, paid leave entitlements, and loan options. However, the annual leave allowance will not be given to these teachers until they have completed the requisite service time to qualify for this benefit.

Understanding the Annual Leave Allowance for Teachers

The annual leave allowance is typically included with January salaries for qualifying teachers. This benefit provides financial support during their annual leave, enabling teachers to take time off without financial strain.

Calculation of the Annual Leave Allowance

The leave allowance varies based on the teacher’s job group:

Grade B5 (entry-level): KSh 4,000
Grade C1: KSh 4,000
Grade C2: KSh 6,000
Grade C3: KSh 6,000
Grade C4: KSh 6,000
Grade C5: KSh 6,000
Grade D1 to D5 (highest-level): KSh 10,000

The annual leave allowance is a valued benefit, offering financial relief during time off. Teachers in the lowest job group (B5) will receive KSh 4,000, while senior teachers (D1-D5) will receive KSh 10,000. It is paid once a year, alongside the January salary, and cannot be carried forward to the next year.

Streamlining Leave Applications with TSC’s Online System

Since December 2021, the TSC has implemented an online leave application system for teachers on the payroll. This system streamlines the leave process, making it more efficient and transparent.

Types of Leave Available for Teachers

Teachers can apply for the following types of leave:

Sick Leave
Annual Leave
Compassionate Leave
Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave
Study Leave
Special Leave
Adoption Leave
Spouse of Diplomat Leave

The online system allows teachers to submit their leave requests more efficiently, reducing the administrative burden on both teachers and the TSC.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the salary increases and leave benefits represent positive changes for Kenyan teachers, challenges still persist, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Addressing Challenges in Rural Areas

Teachers in remote locations face greater challenges, including:

Longer commutes
Limited access to resources
More demanding teaching environments

Additional incentives, such as hardship allowances, are needed to fairly compensate these teachers for their work.

Room for Improvement in Teacher Compensation

Though salary increases are a step forward, there is still room for improvement in terms of offering more competitive compensation packages, especially for teachers at higher education levels. Continuous dialogue between the government, TSC, and teachers’ unions will help ensure that salaries and benefits align with the growing demands of the profession.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Kenyan Teachers

The decision to align the January salaries with the annual leave allowance is a significant step in recognizing the hard work and dedication of teachers across Kenya. It provides immediate financial relief for many educators and signals the government’s commitment to improving the teaching profession.

Key Takeaways:

46,000 teachers transition to permanent, pensionable roles
Improved salaries and benefits, including medical coverage and paid leave entitlements
Annual leave allowance paid with January salaries
New online leave application system for more efficient leave management

These changes, along with salary increments and added benefits, reflect a positive trend toward better working conditions for educators in Kenya. While challenges remain, especially in rural areas, the salary adjustments and benefits offered by the TSC mark significant progress in supporting teachers and strengthening the country’s education system.