The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offers a variety of allowances to Kenyan teachers as part of their compensation package, aimed at improving their welfare and recognizing the challenges associated with their roles.
These allowances include Hardship Allowance, Commuter Allowance, Annual Leave Allowance, and the Disability Guide Allowance. Below is a detailed breakdown of each allowance and its allocation across different grades and scales.
1. Hardship Allowance
The Hardship Allowance is granted to teachers serving in designated hardship areas to compensate for the difficult living and working conditions. This allowance increases with the teacher’s grade.
- B5 (TSC Scale 5): KES 6,600
- C1 (TSC Scale 6): KES 8,200
- C2 (TSC Scale 7): KES 10,900
- C3 (TSC Scale 8): KES 12,300
- C4 (TSC Scale 9): KES 14,650
- C5 (TSC Scale 10): KES 17,100
- Grades D1 to D5 (TSC Scales 11 to 15): Range from KES 27,300 to KES 38,100
2. Commuter Allowance
This allowance is intended to support teachers with transportation costs. It also varies by grade:
- B5, C1: KES 4,000
- C2: KES 5,000
- C3: KES 6,000
- C4, C5: KES 8,000
- D1 and above: Ranges from KES 12,000 to KES 16,000
3. Annual Leave Allowance
Annual Leave Allowance is a fixed amount provided to teachers to cover expenses during their leave period. Teachers in grades B5 to D5 receive the following:
- B5, C1: KES 4,000
- C2, C3, C4, C5: KES 6,000
- D1 and above: KES 10,000
4. Disability Guide Allowance
Teachers living with disabilities or requiring assistance due to their condition are entitled to a Disability Guide Allowance of KES 20,000 across all grades and scales, ensuring equitable support regardless of rank.
Here’s a professional table summarizing the allowances for different grades:
| Grade | TSC Scale | Annual Leave Allowance (KSh) | Hardship Allowance (KSh) | Commuter Allowance (KSh) | Disability Guide Allowance (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | 5 | 6,600 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 20,000 |
| C1 | 6 | 8,200 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 20,000 |
| C2 | 7 | 10,900 | 5,000 | 6,000 | 20,000 |
| C3 | 8 | 12,300 | 6,000 | 6,000 | 20,000 |
| C4 | 9 | 14,650 | 8,000 | 6,000 | 20,000 |
| C5 | 10 | 17,100 | 8,000 | 6,000 | 20,000 |
| D1 | 11 | 27,300 | 12,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| D2 | 12 | 27,300 | 12,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| D3 | 13 | 31,500 | 14,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| D4 | 14 | 31,500 | 14,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| D5 | 15 | 38,100 | 16,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
The allowances offered by the TSC demonstrate its commitment to addressing the diverse needs of teachers across the country. While the Hardship Allowance recognizes the unique challenges faced in difficult environments, the Commuter and Annual Leave Allowances ensure that transportation and rest needs are met.
Additionally, the Disability Guide Allowance highlights the inclusivity of the TSC’s policies, fostering an equitable working environment for all educators.
