2025 TSC Salary Scale in Kenya: New Job Groups, Allowances, and Promotions Explained
With the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recently promoting thousands of educators across Kenya, many teachers are eager to understand the salary changes and benefits that come with their new job groups. The new salary structure, aligned with revised job grades, promises better compensation for added responsibilities, qualifications, and experience.
TSC’s Role in Teacher Employment and Compensation
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is the employer of public school teachers in Kenya. TSC is responsible for:
- Recruitment & deployment
- Promotions and salary adjustments
- Negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)
- Implementing allowances and career progression guidelines
Salary revisions are made in collaboration with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and are based on qualifications, experience, administrative responsibilities, and workplace challenges.
New TSC Teacher Job Groups & Grading System (2025)
The revised grading system streamlines promotions and designations. Below is the updated TSC grading structure:
| No. | Designation | Grade | T-Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Principal | D5 | T-Scale 15 |
| 2 | Senior Principal | D4 | T-Scale 14 |
| 3 | Principal / Deputy Principal I | D3 | T-Scale 13 |
| 4 | Deputy Principal II / Senior Master I | D2 | T-Scale 12 |
| 5 | Senior Master II / Deputy Principal III | D1 | T-Scale 11 |
| 6 | Head Teacher / Deputy Head I | C5 | T-Scale 10 |
| 7 | Deputy Head II / Senior Master IV | C4 | T-Scale 9 |
| 8 | Secondary Teacher I / Senior Teacher I | C3 | T-Scale 8 |
| 9 | Secondary Teacher II / Senior Teacher II | C2 | T-Scale 7 |
| 10 | Primary Teacher I / Secondary Teacher III | C1 | T-Scale 6 |
| 11 | Primary Teacher II | B5 | T-Scale 5 |
TSC Basic Salary Scale 2025 (By Grade)
| Grade | Designation | Monthly Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| D5 | Chief Principals | 131,380 – 159,534 |
| D4 | Senior Principals | 118,242 – 143,581 |
| D3 | Principal / Deputy I | 105,182 – 127,069 |
| D2 | Deputy II / Senior Master I | 92,119 – 110,551 |
| D1 | Senior Master II / Deputy III | 78,625 – 95,101 |
| C5 | Head Teacher / Senior Master III | 62,272 – 78,667 |
| C4 | Senior Master IV / Deputy Head II | 52,308 – 67,220 |
| C3 | Senior Teacher I / Secondary Teacher I | 44,412 – 56,514 |
| C2 | Secondary Teacher II / Senior Teacher II | 36,621 – 45,776 |
| C1 | Primary Teacher I / Secondary Teacher III | 28,491 – 35,614 |
| B5 | Primary Teacher II | 22,793 – 28,491 |
TSC Allowances Breakdown 2025
Commuter Allowance
| Grade | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5–C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 | 5,000 |
| C3 | 6,000 |
| C4–C5 | 8,000 |
| D1–D2 | 12,000 |
| D3–D4 | 14,000 |
| D5 | 16,000 |
Disability Guide Allowance
- All Grades (B5–D5): KSh 20,000
Annual Leave Allowance (Paid in January)
| Grade | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5–C1 | 4,000 |
| C2–C5 | 6,000 |
| D1–D5 | 10,000 |
House Allowance by Location (Monthly)
| Grade | Nairobi | Major Municipalities | Minor Municipalities | Other Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 6,750 | 4,500 | 3,850 | 3,200 |
| C1 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 5,800 | 4,200 |
| C2 | 16,500 | 12,800 | 9,600 | 7,500 |
| C3–C4 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 13,000 |
| C5 | 35,000 | 25,500 | 18,000 | 15,400 |
| D1–D4 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D5 | 50,000 | 35,000 | 25,000 | 20,000 |
Hardship Allowance
| Grade | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| B5 | 6,600 |
| C1 | 8,200 |
| C2 | 10,900 |
| C3 | 12,300 |
| C4 | 14,650 |
| C5 | 17,100 |
| D1–D2 | 27,300 |
| D3–D4 | 31,500 |
| D5 | 38,100 |
Hardship areas are officially designated by the TSC. There’s currently debate around expanding this list following union recommendations.
Salary Highlights by Category
Primary School Teachers
- Primary Teacher II (B5): KSh 22,793 – 28,491
- Head Teacher (C5): Up to KSh 78,667
Secondary School Teachers
- Entry Level (Secondary Teacher III – C1): KSh 28,491 – 35,614
- Senior Teacher I (C3): Up to KSh 56,514
- Principal (D3): Up to KSh 127,069
- Chief Principal (D5): KSh 159,534
Factors Affecting Teacher Salary in Kenya
- Qualifications (Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate)
- Administrative roles (Head, Deputy, Principal)
- Hardship posting or urban duty station
- Special Needs Education (SNE) involvement
- Co-curricular and academic performance
Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and Salary Progression
The implementation of CBAs in three phases has significantly transformed the Kenyan teaching profession. Salaries have been harmonized to reflect roles, experience, and demands of the job.
Teacher unions like KNUT and KUPPET played a major role in pushing for these changes, ensuring educators enjoy better compensation and improved working conditions.
What Teachers Are Saying
“The salary improvements have finally reflected the efforts we put in.” – Secondary School Teacher
“Without collective efforts, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The CBAs have truly changed our lives.” – Primary School Teacher
