Teachers to Receive Salary Increments Between Ksh.1K and Ksh.3K in New Pay Structure
The education sector in Kenya is set to experience a significant positive
change with a new pay structure for teachers. Starting at the end of this
month, teachers across the country will receive a salary increment ranging
from Ksh.1,000 to Ksh.3,000, depending on their job grades. This pay rise
is expected to provide much-needed financial relief for many educators,
whose contributions are fundamental to the development of the country’s
future generations.
The announcement comes as part of a long-anticipated salary review that has seen delays, leaving many teachers anxious. Initially, teachers had expected a review to begin at the start of the current financial year, specifically on July 1st, 2024. However, the implementation was postponed due to financial constraints, causing uncertainty among educators. Despite this setback, the government has recently confirmed that it has found the necessary resources to fund the increments, with a total of Ksh.13 billion allocated for the salary adjustments.
This update is particularly important for the country’s two largest teachers’ unions, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), both of which had been divided over whether or not to go on strike to demand better pay. After much deliberation, the news of the salary review comes as a relief, as it signals a positive step towards addressing the grievances that have been raised by teachers over the past few years.
Salary Increases Based on Job Groups
The new pay structure will see teachers across various job grades benefiting from different increments, depending on their position. The salary review will be based on 11 different job groups, ranging from the least-paid teachers at the entry-level to the highest-paid chief principals and education leaders in the country. While the pay increments vary, every teacher will receive an additional amount, making the adjustment fair and progressive.
According to figures seen by Citizen TV, the least-paid teacher at Grade B5, who currently earns Ksh.22,739 as basic pay, will see an increase of Ksh.1,000, raising their salary to Ksh.23,830. This adjustment may seem modest, but for an entry-level teacher, even a small increment can help meet the rising cost of living and improve their quality of life.
At the next level, a senior teacher at the primary school level, classified under Grade C2, will benefit from an increase of Ksh.2,082. Teachers in this grade currently earn a basic salary of Ksh.45,776, which will rise to Ksh.47,858 after the pay review. This mid-level increment reflects the importance of rewarding experienced teachers for their years of service and their ability to manage more complex classroom environments and student needs.
Higher-Level Pay Adjustments
Teachers at higher job groups are also set to see an increase in
their salaries, with some of the most significant rises occurring
in the upper job grades. For instance, a teacher at Grade C5,
which includes primary school headteachers, will see their
salary increase from a maximum of Ksh.78,667 to a new
maximum of Ksh.79,651. This increase of Ksh.984 may
seem relatively small, but it is still an important recognition
of the managerial and leadership role that headteachers play
in the smooth running of schools. The role of a headteacher is
both demanding and vital to the overall success of the school
system, making this adjustment a meaningful acknowledgment
of their responsibilities.
At the top end of the scale, the highest-paid teacher in the public education system is the Chief Principal, who is at Grade D5. Currently, a Chief Principal earns Ksh.159,534 as basic pay. With the new increment, their salary will rise by Ksh.3,005 to a new total of Ksh.162,539. This pay increase will benefit senior educators who manage large institutions, often with hundreds or even thousands of students. The position of a Chief Principal comes with significant managerial responsibilities, including overseeing curriculum implementation, managing school finances, and ensuring the overall success of the school.
This salary increase marks a positive shift in the government’s recognition of teachers, acknowledging the importance of their roles, from entry-level educators to senior leaders in the education system.
Range of Salary Increments Across Job Grades
To summarize the increments, the salary rise ranges from Ksh.1,037 at the lowest level to Ksh.3,005 at the highest level. These increases may not seem monumental in isolation, but when viewed as part of a broader effort to improve the pay and conditions of teachers, they represent an essential step in the right direction.
- Grade B5 (least paid): Teachers at this grade will receive an increment of approximately Ksh.1,000, increasing their basic salary from Ksh.22,739 to Ksh.23,830.
- Grade C2 (senior primary school teacher): Teachers at this grade will see a salary increase of Ksh.2,082, from Ksh.45,776 to Ksh.47,858.
- Grade C5 (mid-grade teachers and headteachers): Teachers at this level, including headteachers, will receive an increase of Ksh.984, raising their salary from Ksh.78,667 to Ksh.79,651.
- Grade D5 (Chief Principals): The highest-paid teachers will see an increment of Ksh.3,005, increasing their salary from Ksh.159,534 to Ksh.162,539.
These increments show a clear effort on the part of the government to maintain a fair pay structure across the different levels of teaching, with a focus on providing incremental improvements to all teachers regardless of their job group. The government’s decision to allocate Ksh.13 billion for this salary review indicates a commitment to investing in the education sector and ensuring that educators are adequately compensated for their vital work.
Additional Allowances for Teachers
Apart from the salary increments, teachers are also entitled to various allowances that are structured according to their job grade and location. These allowances are designed to provide additional financial support to teachers and help cover various costs related to their work. The allowance categories include commuter allowances, leave allowances, and hardship allowances.
- Commuter Allowance: Teachers are entitled to monthly commuter allowances based on their job grade. The commuter allowance ranges from Ksh.4,000 at the entry-level (Grade B5) to Ksh.16,000 at the highest level (Grade D5). This allowance helps to offset the costs associated with traveling to and from work, particularly in rural areas where teachers may be stationed far from urban centers.
- Leave Allowance: Teachers also receive leave allowances, which are payable once a year. These allowances range from Ksh.4,000 to Ksh.10,000, depending on the job group. The leave allowance is a valuable benefit, as it provides teachers with additional financial support when they take time off from work, ensuring that they are not financially burdened during their breaks.
- Hardship Allowance: For teachers stationed in challenging or underserved areas, the government provides a hardship allowance. This allowance is intended to compensate teachers for the difficult working conditions they may face. The amount varies depending on the job grade and the location, with figures ranging from Ksh.6,600 to Ksh.38,100. Teachers in remote and rural areas are especially likely to receive the higher end of the hardship allowance scale, reflecting the unique challenges they face in providing education in less accessible areas.
These allowances, combined with the base salary increases, ensure that teachers are supported in various aspects of their work and are adequately compensated for their time, effort, and commitment.
Conclusion
The salary increment for teachers across the country represents a significant step forward in recognizing the importance of educators in Kenya. With increases ranging from Ksh.1,000 to Ksh.3,000 depending on job grades, teachers will see improved pay that can help address the rising cost of living and offer better financial security.
Additionally, the government has shown a commitment to supporting teachers with a variety of allowances, including commuter, leave, and hardship allowances. These benefits, along with the salary increases, contribute to creating a more supportive and sustainable working environment for teachers.
Though there was initial uncertainty and division within the teacher unions, the government’s decision to allocate Ksh.13 billion for the salary increments demonstrates a commitment to the teaching profession. While the increments may not be as high as some had hoped, they represent a positive move in the right direction and provide teachers with the recognition and financial support they deserve.
In the coming months, it will be important to continue monitoring the impact of these increases on teachers and the broader education sector. As teachers benefit from the new pay structure, there is hope that the salary adjustments will not only improve their living standards but also contribute to enhancing the quality of education across the country.
