Breaking! Big Pay Boost For Teachers: TSC Unveils New Commuter Allowances In 2025–2029 CBA Phase 1 Negotiations

Win As TSC Reveals New Commuter Allowance Boost For Teachers In 1st Phase Of CBA Talks.

Thousands of teachers across Kenya could soon enjoy better pay and improved working conditions as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officially kicks off negotiations for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The much-anticipated talks are set to address core salary concerns, allowances, and welfare benefits for educators across the country.

 

With the current CBA (2021–2025) set to expire at the end of June 2025, the new round of negotiations is seen as a critical step in addressing the rising cost of living, inflation, and the evolving demands of the teaching profession under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

 

Negotiations Begin Amid Rising Expectations

The TSC, in collaboration with Kenya’s key teachers’ unions—KNUT (Kenya National Union of Teachers), KUPPET (Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers), and KUSNET (Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers)—has opened formal talks to chart a new course for the teaching workforce.

 

According to an official circular, TSC invited union officials for scheduled consultations starting July 1, 2025. KNUT was the first to meet with TSC, followed by KUPPET and KUSNET on consecutive days. All meetings are being chaired by the Acting CEO, Ms. Eveleen Mitei, following the retirement of long-serving CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia.

 

This early engagement indicates the commission’s readiness to resolve pending issues before the July 2025 payroll is processed, allowing any agreed-upon salary increments to take effect immediately.

 

Government-Backed Proposal to Kickstart Salary Talks

Sources indicate that the salary increment proposal being tabled by the TSC is based on recommendations from President William Ruto’s administration. The government has acknowledged the vital role teachers play in national development, especially through CBC implementation, and is eager to reflect this appreciation through improved remuneration.

 

Although the 2025/2026 national budget did not explicitly mention a pay rise for teachers, insiders say a supplementary budget will accommodate any salary adjustments agreed upon during the negotiations.

 

KUPPET Proposes 100 Percent Basic Pay Rise for Lower Job Groups

KUPPET has presented one of the most ambitious proposals in the ongoing CBA talks—calling for a 100 percent increase in basic salary for teachers in Job Group B5. Currently earning a starting salary of KSh 23,830, teachers in this group could see their pay double to KSh 47,660 over the four-year period.

 

This translates to an annual pay increase of around KSh 7,446—an impactful rise aimed at uplifting teachers at the grassroots, especially those newly employed.

 

The union is also advocating for a substantial review of allowances. Among the proposed adjustments are higher commuter, hardship, and housing allowances, tailored to reflect the changing economic landscape.

 

KNUT’s Detailed Demands: From Allowances to Leave Days

KNUT, representing mostly primary school teachers, has submitted a wide-ranging set of proposals. Key among them is a 60 percent increase in basic salary, distributed gradually over the four-year CBA period. In addition, the union seeks:

 

A 30 percent rise in allowances, including hardship, medical, risk, and leave allowances.

Introduction of a monthly risk allowance for science and technical teachers, pegged at 10 percent of the basic salary.

A revised hardship area classification framework, advocating for regular reviews in consultation with the unions.

 

Hardship allowances remain a critical component for teachers in remote and high-risk areas. KNUT wants TSC to jointly assess and revise hardship zones, taking into account changing security, health, and infrastructure realities in different regions.

 

Improved Leave and Health Benefits for Teachers

Beyond salaries, KNUT is calling for a structured leave policy to benefit all teachers. The proposal recommends:

 

30 working days of fully paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous service.

Pro-rata leave for newly hired teachers based on their employment date.

Teachers to take any deferred leave within the next leave year.

Pro-rated leave payout and travel allowance for those leaving service after at least two months.

 

On medical benefits, the union is pushing for a comprehensive sick leave structure that allows teachers to take up to one year of medically certified leave. The proposed structure splits the leave into two phases:

 

1. First 180 days with full pay

2. Next 180 days at half pay

 

Teachers will be required to submit valid medical certificates and notify TSC within 48 hours of falling ill. Online applications for sick leave will be acceptable, making the process easier and faster.

 

Additionally, convalescent leave is being introduced as part of the proposal, ensuring teachers can fully recover before returning to work based on medical advice.

 

Tensions Eased After KUPPET Strike Threat

The start of the CBA negotiations came just in time, following increased pressure from KUPPET, which had issued a seven-day strike ultimatum over delays in initiating talks. The prompt scheduling of meetings appears to have de-escalated tensions, with unions now hopeful that their members’ concerns will be addressed in good faith.

 

Union officials have emphasized the importance of fairness and transparency, especially as teachers continue to face rising living costs, high transport expenses, and job-related challenges in CBC implementation.

 

Commuter Allowance and Inflation Adjustment: A Key Focus

One of the central issues being pushed by all three unions is a review of commuter allowances. With fuel and public transport costs continuously rising, teachers—especially those stationed in urban and peri-urban areas—are demanding better compensation to cover commuting expenses.

 

The unions argue that current commuter allowances are outdated and no longer reflect the realities on the ground. They propose inflation-adjusted rates to ensure teachers retain their purchasing power.

 

This allowance review comes alongside calls for enhanced housing benefits, especially in cities where rent has skyrocketed.

 

A Crucial Test for the Government’s Education Reforms

The success of the CBA 2025–2029 negotiations will be seen as a reflection of the government’s commitment to educational reforms and teacher motivation. With the CBC rollout in full swing and more pressure on teachers to deliver quality education, many argue that investment in teachers is no longer optional but a national priority.

 

Teachers remain hopeful that the final CBA agreement will offer meaningful improvements in their pay, working conditions, and overall well-being.

 

Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?

With negotiations already underway, Kenyans can expect regular updates from the TSC and union leaders. A finalized agreement could be reached within weeks, allowing salary increments and new allowances to reflect in the July 2025 payroll—a move that would greatly boost teacher morale ahead of the new academic calendar.

 

As the CBA 2025–2029 takes shape, all eyes are on the TSC, Treasury, and unions to deliver a deal that acknowledges the sacrifices and responsibilities of educators across the country.

Win As TSC Reveals New Commuter Allowance Boost For Teachers In 1st Phase Of CBA Talks.