In a landmark move, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has signed a KSh 33.7 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with KNUT and KUPPET, marking a major salary victory for Kenyan teachers.
The deal, covering the period 2025–2029, follows months of tense negotiations and marks one of the most comprehensive salary and benefits agreements in Kenya’s public education sector history.
“This is a milestone for the teaching profession. It’s a reward for the resilience and dedication of Kenyan teachers,” said TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi during the signing ceremony on July 18, 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025–2029 CBA Deal
- Total package: KSh 33.7 Billion over 4 years
- Salary Increment: Up to 29.5% across job groups, phased implementation
- Improved medical coverage: Enhanced inpatient and outpatient benefits
- Restructured housing allowance: Adjusted by region and city
- Hardship area support: Boosted allowances and incentives
- In-service training: More funding for teacher professional development
What Teachers Will Receive: Breakdown of Salary Component
The salary adjustment forms the bulk of the deal:
| Grade | New Basic Pay (KES) Range |
| B5 | 28,620 – 37,100 |
| C1 | 35,336 – 47,261 |
| C2 | 41,420 – 57,230 |
| C3 | 49,781 – 66,233 |
| C4 | 58,585 – 77,120 |
| C5 | 69,745 – 96,130 |
| D1 | 80,984 – 99,272 |
| D2 | 95,271 – 116,012 |
| D3 | 109,224 – 133,347 |
| D4 | 121,789 – 150,675 |
| D5 | 135,321 – 167,415 |
Comprehensive Benefits Package
This new CBA goes beyond salary:
House Allowance
Now aligned with regional cost of living, with urban teachers receiving more.
Medical Insurance
Expanded inpatient and outpatient coverage for teachers and dependents.
Hardship Allowance
Teachers in remote, high-stress areas receive increased hardship stipends.
Career Advancement
More resources for CPD, in-service training, and capacity building.
From Stalemate to Signature: How the Deal Was Achieved
Negotiations almost broke down due to disagreements over:
- Increment percentage
- Implementation timeline
- Allowance structure
Thanks to independent mediation and intervention from the Ministry of Education, a compromise was reached after weeks of marathon talks. The deal has since been applauded as a model of dialogue and cooperation.
Rollout & Implementation Timeline
- First phase: Salary increments to appear in August 2025 payslips
- Full implementation: By mid-2026
- Monitoring: KNUT & KUPPET will form joint oversight committees with TSC
Collins Oyuu, KNUT Secretary General:
“We fought for the best outcome possible in a tough economy. Teachers deserve this.”
Akello Misori, KUPPET Secretary General:
“Implementation is now the focus. We’ll hold TSC accountable every step of the way.”
What It Means for Kenya’s Education Sector
This deal is expected to:
- Attract and retain better-qualified teachers
- Improve education quality across the country
- Stabilize staffing and reduce disruptions in public schools
What Comes Next?
This CBA sets a new standard for future public sector negotiations:
- Demonstrates the power of mediation
- Highlights the need for earlier planning in future CBAs
- Raises expectations across other civil service unions
The 2025–2029 TSC–KNUT–KUPPET CBA is a landmark achievement for Kenya’s teachers. With implementation beginning immediately, the focus now shifts to accountability and ensuring every teacher receives what they were promised.
Stay tuned to Opportunitieshub for all the latest updates on TSC salaries, promotion news, and education policy developments across Kenya.
