The newly signed 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions brings significant improvements to educators’ pay and working conditions. After months of negotiations, teachers across Kenya have several reasons to celebrate.
In this detailed analysis, we break down the 5 biggest victories in the new CBA and what they mean for you as a teacher.
1. Significant Salary Increases Across All Grades
Key Changes:
The revised basic salary structure shows substantial raises for all TSC grades, with particularly notable jumps at senior levels:
| Grade | TSC Scale | Old Salary Range (2021) | New Salary Range (2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 5 | Ksh 21,756 – 27,195 | Ksh 28,620 – 37,100 | +31% |
| C3 | 8 | Ksh 35,910 – 49,000 | Ksh 49,781 – 66,233 | +35% |
| D5 | 15 | Ksh 118,242 – 157,656 | Ksh 135,321 – 167,415 | +14% |
What This Means for Teachers:
- Newly employed teachers (B5) now start at Ksh 28,620, up from Ksh 21,756.
- Mid-career teachers (C3) see their maximum salary rise to Ksh 66,233 (from Ksh 49,000).
- Senior administrators (D5) now earn up to Ksh 167,415, strengthening retention of experienced educators.
Impact: The increases outpace inflation (currently at 6.5%) and represent the most substantial pay raise since the 2016 CBA.
2. Higher Baggage Allowance for Transfers
New Rates Per Kilometer:
| Grade | Old Rate (2021) | New Rate (2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5-C1 | Ksh 43 | Ksh 43 | 0% |
| C2-C5 | Ksh 50 | Ksh 55 | +10% |
| D1-D4 | Ksh 60-75 | Ksh 68-80 | +13% |
Why This Matters:
- A C4 teacher transferring 300km now receives Ksh 16,500 (up from Ksh 15,000).
- D3 principals moving 500km get Ksh 34,000 (previously Ksh 30,000).
Key Benefit: Reduces the financial burden of mandatory transfers, especially for teachers in remote areas.
3. 2-Hour Nursing Breaks for Lactating Teachers
Policy Details:
- Duration: 2 months post-maternity leave
- Flexibility: Can be taken as two 1-hour breaks or one 2-hour block
- Legal Context: Exceeds Kenya’s Employment Act requirement (1 hour for 6 months)
Impact:
- Helps balance work and infant care during critical early months.
- Sets a new standard for workplace support for nursing mothers.
Suggestion: Future CBAs should consider extending this to 4-6 months for full breastfeeding benefits.
4. Pension Access for Dismissed Teachers
Breaking the Previous Barrier:
- Old Rule: Dismissed teachers forfeited all pension benefits.
- New Rule: All teachers exiting service (except for criminal misconduct) now qualify.
Why It’s Important:
- Protects teachers in dispute resolutions or wrongful termination cases.
- Aligns TSC with international labor standards on pension rights.
Next Step: Unions should clarify if back payments apply for recently dismissed teachers.
5. Upcoming Job Evaluation (2025/2026)
What’s Changing?
- First evaluation since 2018 – will reassess workloads and qualifications.
- Expected to redefine promotion criteria and possibly add new job grades.
Potential Outcomes:
- Faster promotions for diploma vs. degree holders.
- Clearer pathways to administrative roles (e.g., deputy principal).
Teacher Action: Document your extra duties (clubs, committees) to justify higher grading.
Conclusion: A Strong CBA With Room to Grow
This agreement delivers real financial gains while addressing key welfare issues. However, unchanged housing allowances and the short nursing break window show areas for future improvement.
What’s Next?
✔️ Monitor implementation of new salaries by September 2025
✔️ Participate in the job evaluation process
✔️ Union members: Prepare proposals for the 2029 CBA negotiations
😕 3 Missed Opportunities
1. No Increase in Housing or Hardship Allowances
- These remain unchanged since the last CBA.
- Hardship teachers in arid areas still earn Ksh 10,900–38,100.
Why It Matters: Inflation erodes these fixed allowances.
2. Short 2-Month Nursing Break Window
- Global standard: 6+ months of breastfeeding support.
- Kenyan law: Guarantees 1 hour/day for 6 months.
Suggestion: Extend to at least 4 months in the next CBA.
3. No Clear Timeline for Job Evaluation Outcomes
- The exercise could stretch beyond 2026.
- Risk: Delays in promotions or backpay.
Teacher Action: Unions must push for transparency.
🔮 What’s Next?
- Unions should monitor implementation (e.g., baggage allowance delays).
- Teachers: Document any violations (e.g., denied nursing breaks).
- 2026: Expect career progression updates post-evaluation
What do YOU think about the new CBA? Share your thoughts in the comments!
📌 Share this analysis to inform fellow teachers about their new benefits
[…] as analyzed in the breakdown of five wins and three missed opportunities, the deal contained undeniable gains but also glaring gaps, especially regarding housing and […]
[…] Both KNUT and KUPPET have consistently pushed for allowances to be reviewed in line with CBAs. The latest 2025 update reflects adjustments to ensure fairness across the board. This follows the 2025 CBA negotiations where teachers secured five big wins and three missed opportunities, as highlighted in our earlier report on TSC CBA 2025. […]