Teachers across Kenya have received a major salary boost following the signing of a Ksh33 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and unions representing post-primary and special needs educators.
The new 2025–2029 CBA was signed on Friday, July 18, after extensive negotiations between TSC, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Kasarani.
Top Earners to Get Up to Ksh167K
Teachers in job group D5, the highest category, will now earn up to Ksh167,415, marking a five percent increase in their pay. Meanwhile, those at the base of the profession—previously earning about Ksh23,000—will see their salaries rise to approximately Ksh29,000, representing a 29.6 percent raise.
Detailed Job Group Salary Adjustments
Here’s how teachers will be paid under the new CBA:
- C1: Ksh35,300 – Ksh47,300
- C2: Ksh41,400 – Ksh57,200
- C3: Ksh49,800 – Ksh66,200
- C4: Ksh58,600 – Ksh77,100
- C5: Ksh69,700 – Ksh96,100
- D1: Ksh81,000 – Ksh99,300
- D2: Ksh95,300 – Ksh116,000
- D3: Ksh109,200 – Ksh133,300
- D4: Ksh121,800 – Ksh150,700
- D5: Ksh134,300 – Ksh167,415
The implementation begins immediately, and teachers will receive revised pay slips by the end of July. The agreement outlines an annual adjustment budget of Ksh8.4 billion, culminating in the total Ksh33 billion by June 30, 2029.
A Historic Shift in Pay Equity
Akelo Misori, Secretary General of KUPPET, praised the new CBA for correcting past imbalances. He recalled that in the previous 2016–2021 agreement, most benefits were skewed toward administrators, leaving classroom teachers under-compensated.
“This time, we ensured the foundation of the education system—classroom teachers—received the biggest gain,” said Misori.
CPG Phased Out, Allowances Unchanged
Although allowances remain largely unchanged, one significant reform in the new agreement is the phasing out of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG). Introduced in 2018, CPG was widely criticized for being rigid, non-transparent, and punitive. The unions celebrated its removal as a win for teachers’ career advancement.
Deal Comes After Talks with SRC
The salary adjustment follows earlier consultations between TSC and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). A Tuesday meeting set the stage for Friday’s decisive negotiations. With the education sector facing pressure over wage disparities, the breakthrough agreement is expected to ease mounting tensions and restore morale among teaching staff.
Conclusion: A Win for Teachers
The signing of the 2025–2029 CBA marks a turning point for thousands of teachers who have long awaited meaningful salary improvements. By focusing on equity, transparency, and long-term planning, the deal reinforces the value of educators in shaping Kenya’s future.
With phased implementation and broader structural reforms, the TSC’s latest move signals a renewed commitment to fair compensation and educational excellence.
