When a teacher transitions from internship to a permanent and pensionable contract under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), their earnings notably increase. Here’s a breakdown of what newly hired teachers typically bring home each month—and why it matters.
1. Basic Salary by Qualification & Grade
Secondary school teachers with a Bachelor’s degree enter at Job Group C2 (formerly K), earning a base salary of KSh 34,955 per month
Diploma holders in education are assigned to C2 as well, but often earn slightly lower within the range (KSh 27,195–KSh 34,955)
Primary school teachers with a P1 certificate enter at Job Group B5 (Role B5, formerly G), with a base salary of KSh 21,756 per month
For simplicity, this article will focus on the standard graduate (Bachelor’s) pathway at C2.
2. Allowances: The Salary Boosters
New teachers are also eligible for a range of allowances that can significantly increase their gross monthly earnings:
Commuter allowance: Typically KSh 5,000 per month
Housing allowance varies depending on location:
KSh 16,500 for Nairobi-based teachers
KSh 12,800 in major municipalities
KSh 9,600 in minor municipalities
KSh 7,500 in rural or other areas
Hardship allowance (if posted in hardship zone): about KSh 10,900
Annual leave allowance: KSh 6,000 paid once per year (typically in January)
Example Monthly Structure (C2 Teacher in Rural Area)
| Component | Monthly Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Basic salary | 34,955 |
| Commuter allowance | 5,000 |
| Housing allowance (rural) | 7,500 |
| Hardship allowance | 10,900 (if applicable) |
| Gross total | 58,355 – 69,255 |
If hardship allowance applies, gross earnings approach KSh 69,000+ before deductions.
3. Deductions: Net Income Factors
From the gross amount above, standard statutory and voluntary deductions apply, including:
- PAYE (Income Tax)
- NHIF (Health insurance)
- NSSF (Pension)
- HELB loan repayments (if applicable)
- Union/Sacco contributions
According to payslip breakdowns, a C2 graduate may take home roughly KSh 38,000 net after deductions, assuming no HELB loan. With full HELB deductions, take-home pay could fall to around KSh 34,000–36,000.
4. From Internship to Permanent Status: A Pay Rise
Intern teachers earn far less: Primary interns get KSh 15,000 monthly (Ksh 14,000 after deductions), while secondary interns receive KSh 20,000 (Ksh 19,050 after deductions)
With permanency, their gross monthly income more than doubles, and net income nearly triples .
A newly confirmed permanent secondary teacher may move from taking home Ksh 19,000 as an intern to Ksh 47, 000 gross / 38, 000 net, marking a life-changing increase
5. What This Means for New Teachers
Living Standards
– With net income between KSh 35,000–Ksh 38,000, fresh teachers can cover basic expenses, rent, and begin savings.
Geography Matters
– Location plays a big role. Urban postings bring better housing allowances, but rural hardship perks can be even more lucrative.
Long-Term Progression
– After 3 years, promotion to C3 increases base salary (Ksh 43, 000–Ksh54,000) alongside allowances.
Pension & Security
– Permanent status delivers job stability, pension contributions, employer-backed benefits, and long-term career growth.
A new graduate teacher (C2) earns:
– Gross: KSh 47K (urban) to KSh 58, 000–Ksh 69,000 (with hardship/rural bonuses)
– Net: Approximately KSh 35, 000–38,000, subject to individual deductions.
Transitioning from internship to a permanent contract is transformative, more than tripling take-home pay.
Early career earnings can potentially support a modest urban lifestyle, foster financial independence, and lay the groundwork for future progression.
This salary structure underscores both the benefits and challenges of a teaching career in Kenya. While permanent positions offer a stable income and growth trajectory, the actual amount net of deductions and relative to living costs shapes the real-life experience of new educators.
