Teachers across the country will begin earning higher salaries from July 1 after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) confirmed that the government has allocated Sh8.4 billion to finance the pay increase.
The announcement was made on Friday during the closing ceremony of the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual National Conference in Mombasa, where TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi said the funds had already been set aside and the commission was ready to implement the new salary structure.
“We have received an allocation of Sh8.4 billion to support teachers’ salary increments beginning July 1. The funds are available, and we will ensure they are paid,” Muturi said.
More than 30,000 teachers set for promotion
In addition to the salary increment, the commission announced plans to promote more than 30,000 teachers later this year following the allocation of Sh2 billion by the National Treasury.
According to Muturi, the promotion vacancies will be advertised in August as part of the government’s efforts to improve career progression and reward dedicated educators.
“This is a major investment in the teaching profession. The government remains committed to motivating teachers through structured career advancement,” he said.
The promotions will target teachers serving in grades C2, C3, D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5.
Permanent employment for JSS teachers
The commission also confirmed that Sh4.9 billion has been allocated to transition 24,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers from internship contracts to permanent and pensionable employment.
The move addresses one of the key concerns that has been raised by teachers’ unions and educators since the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Muturi said placing the teachers on permanent terms would strengthen staff retention, improve morale and provide greater job security.
“This investment will enhance teachers’ welfare while ensuring schools retain qualified educators to support learners,” he noted.
Promotions to consider merit and years of service
TSC said the upcoming promotions will be guided by several factors, including professional performance, qualifications, experience and years served in the same grade.
The commission also intends to prioritise teachers who have remained in one job group for extended periods without promotion.
Muturi noted that the government has made significant progress in addressing career stagnation over the past three years.
He said approximately 274,000 teachers have been promoted during the current administration, with about 100,000 receiving substantive promotions to higher grades, while 174,000 benefited through common cadre progression.
“We will continue creating opportunities for teachers to advance in their careers because their contribution to the education sector is invaluable,” he said.
School heads commended
The TSC chairperson also praised school principals for maintaining high standards of leadership despite the challenges facing the education sector.
He acknowledged their commitment to ensuring schools continue operating effectively and pledged the commission’s continued support in strengthening school leadership.
“You have remained resilient, professional and dedicated even in circumstances beyond your control. The commission will continue working closely with school leaders to improve the quality of education,” Muturi told the principals.
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