Confirmed:TSC to Raise Teachers’ Salaries in July 2025 Despite Budget Cuts
Great news for Kenyan teachers! The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially confirmed that the long-awaited second phase of salary increments under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will be fully implemented starting July 1, 2025.
This announcement brings relief to thousands of educators, especially amid concerns over Treasury budget cuts and economic uncertainty.
What to Expect in the July 2025 TSC Pay Rise
The ongoing CBA agreement was signed between TSC and teacher unions — KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET — and is being executed in two phases:
- Phase 1: Already implemented in August 2023
- Phase 2: Set for July 1, 2025
Eligible teachers will see the updated salaries reflected in their July 2025 payslips, offering a much-needed boost to their net income.
TSC Confirms: Pay Rise Will Proceed Despite Treasury Cuts
Concerns had mounted after the Treasury revised its spending following the collapse of the 2024 Finance Bill and declining national revenue.
However, TSC has moved to reassure teachers, stating clearly:
“Salaries will be increased as planned.”
While budget constraints have led to the postponement of recruiting 20,000 intern teachers and delayed confirmation of 46,000 interns, the salary increase for current staff remains a top priority.
Education Sector Gets Ksh 702 Billion in 2025/26 Budget
In a strong show of commitment, the education sector received a record Ksh 702 billion allocation in the 2025/26 national budget — the largest share across all ministries.
From this, the Teachers Service Commission received Ksh 369.94 billion earmarked for:
- Full implementation of the CBA salary increases
- Promotion of teachers under Career Progression Guidelines
- Payment of house and hardship allowances
- Recruitment and staffing efforts (currently delayed)
House Allowances Adjusted for Cluster 4 in July 2025
Teachers in Cluster 4 regions will see a final adjustment in house allowances beginning July 2025 as per the CBA rollout.
Updated Cluster Breakdown:
- Cluster 1: Nairobi City
- Cluster 2: Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, etc.
- Cluster 3: All other former municipalities
- Cluster 4: All other non-municipal and rural areas
While Clusters 1–3 had static rates, Cluster 4 allowances are being revised to ensure equity for teachers working in underserved areas.
Over 36,000 Teachers Promoted in 2024
TSC has reported that 36,504 teachers were promoted during the 2023/2024 financial year, bringing the total to 71,212 since 2020.
Promotions were based on the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) and were designed to reward performance, boost morale, and enhance classroom outcomes.
According to TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, these promotions are essential for motivating teachers and strengthening education quality.
Intern Teachers Still in Limbo
Despite the progress, over 46,000 intern teachers remain unconfirmed due to budget delays. These teachers, currently on contractual terms, are still awaiting conversion to permanent and pensionable positions.
Teacher unions — KNUT and KUPPET — are calling for:
- Immediate implementation of remaining CBA clauses
- Timely teacher promotions
- Equal allowance distribution
- Confirmation of intern teachers
Why the July 2025 Salary Increment Matters
This is more than just a routine adjustment. The July 2025 salary increment is a major milestone that will:
- Boost teacher morale and motivation
- Improve job satisfaction and retention
- Enhance student performance and classroom delivery
- Bridge rural-urban disparities in compensation
