Secondary school teachers in Kenya are compensated through a structured salary scale set by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Their salary is determined by their grade and experience, and they also receive various allowances that significantly boost their total monthly earnings.
Over the years, the TSC has reviewed salaries and allowances to accommodate teachers’ concerns and ensure they are fairly compensated for their work.
Salary Structure:
The salary of secondary school teachers in Kenya is based on the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) introduced by the TSC, which places teachers into different job groups based on qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.
1. Graduate Teachers (T-Scale 7 to 9):
– Teachers in these scales are mainly newly recruited or less experienced teachers.
– Their salaries range from approximately Ksh 38,000 to Ksh 55,000 per month.
2. Senior Teachers (T-Scale 10 to 11):
– Senior teachers with more experience or those holding leadership roles, such as subject heads or class teachers, earn between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 75,000 per month.
3. Principals and Deputy Principals (T-Scale 12 to 15):
– Principals and deputies earn significantly more, with salaries ranging from Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 157,000 per month, depending on the size of the school and the number of students.
Allowances:
In addition to their basic salary, secondary school teachers in Kenya receive various allowances that are meant to enhance their welfare and compensate for the challenges they face in their profession. The key allowances include:
1. House Allowance:
– Teachers are entitled to a house allowance based on their location. Teachers in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu receive a higher allowance due to the high cost of living, with amounts ranging from Ksh 16,500 to Ksh 50,000. Teachers in rural areas receive lower allowances.
2. Commuter Allowance:
– All teachers are entitled to a commuter allowance, which ranges from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 16,000, depending on their job group. This allowance helps cover the cost of traveling to and from school.
3. Medical Allowance:
– Teachers are covered under a medical scheme, which provides comprehensive medical coverage for themselves and their dependents. The annual premiums vary depending on their job group but can be worth up to Ksh 1 million.
4. Responsibility Allowance:
– Teachers holding administrative positions, such as principals, deputies, and heads of departments, receive additional responsibility allowances, which range from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 20,000 monthly.
5. Hardship Allowance:
– Teachers posted in hardship areas receive an additional hardship allowance, which ranges from Ksh 10,900 to Ksh 38,100, depending on their job group. This is aimed at compensating for the difficult living and working conditions in certain parts of the country.
6. Leave Allowance:
– Every January, teachers receive a leave allowance, equivalent to one month’s basic salary, to help cover expenses during their annual leave period.
Conclusion:
The salary and allowance structure for secondary school teachers in Kenya is designed to reflect the responsibilities, qualifications, and conditions under which teachers operate.
Though salaries have improved over the years, teachers’ unions such as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) continue to advocate for better pay and conditions, particularly for teachers in rural or hardship areas.
Despite these challenges, the structured allowance system provides a level of financial security for secondary school teachers, ensuring they are compensated for their essential role in education.
