Kenyan teachers are set to benefit from the second phase of the 2025–2029 CBA salary review, with revised basic pay scales taking effect from July 1, 2026. The adjustment applies to teachers on the TSC payroll, while interns are excluded from this phase.[1]
The rollout follows reports that TSC implemented the new structure after the July payroll had already closed, meaning the higher pay is expected to appear in the August 2026 payroll and be backdated to July 1, 2026.[1]
What triggered the TSC salary review 2026 rollout
The phase-two increase is part of a broader phased CBA arrangement between TSC and the teachers’ unions, not a one-time pay rise. Reporting also links the implementation to budget support in the 2026/2027 financial year, including Sh8.4 billion set aside for this phase.[2]
The salary review comes after SRC-related clearance on public service remuneration issues, which helped pave the way for implementation. That makes this phase a structured adjustment within the wider remuneration framework rather than an isolated announcement.[3]
What teachers will earn
The revised scales reportedly raise monthly basic pay by between Sh693 and Sh2,055 depending on grade and salary notch. Mid-career secondary school teachers and senior teaching roles appear to gain the biggest cash increases, while some deputy headship grades receive smaller increments.[1]
Because salary notch affects final pay, the figures below should be treated as reported ranges rather than universal amounts for every teacher in the same grade. Teachers in the same job group may not earn the same basic salary.[1]
| Grade | Reported role | Reported new basic pay |
| B5 | Primary Teacher II | Entry-level primary teacher pay rises under the new structure. |
| C2 | Secondary Teacher II | Reported increase of about Sh2,030. |
| C3 | Secondary Teacher I / Senior Teacher I | Reported increase of about Sh2,055, the highest monthly increment in the review. |
| D2 | Deputy Principals II / Senior Headteacher level | Reported as one of the smallest increases, starting at about Sh693. |
| D3 | Principals / Deputy Principals I | Salary adjusted upward under the new structure. |
| D4 | Senior Principals / Curriculum Support roles | Salary adjusted upward under the new structure. |
| D5 | Chief Principals | Reported range of about Sh133,351 to Sh164,977. |
Who benefits most
The biggest winners in this phase are reported to be Grade C3 teachers, followed closely by other mid-career teaching categories. Entry-level teachers also benefit, although their gains are smaller in cash terms.[1]
At the other end of the scale, some deputy leadership grades receive the smallest reported increases. That imbalance is likely to keep unions and teacher representatives focused on future negotiations.[1]
Allowances and exclusions
This phase should be described primarily as a basic salary review, not a full restructuring of allowances. It is safer not to claim that every allowance remains unchanged unless the official circular explicitly confirms it.[4]
The clearest confirmed exclusion is that interns do not benefit from this phase. That point should be stated plainly in any blog version to avoid confusion.[1]
When the money will be reflected
Although the new structure took effect on July 1, 2026, the July payroll had already closed by the time the rollout was processed. That means teachers should expect the increase to appear in the August 2026 payroll, with arrears backdated to July 1.[1]
This timing detail is important for readers because it explains why the increase may not show immediately even though the revised structure is already in force.[1]
Key takeaway
TSC’s Phase 2 salary review gives Kenyan teachers a meaningful pay boost, especially in the mid-level grades, while keeping the broader 2025–2029 CBA on a phased path. For teachers, the key takeaway is simple: the new pay is coming in August, it is backdated to July 1, and the exact amount depends on grade and notch.[3]
FAQs
1. When will teachers receive the TSC Phase 2 salary increase?
The increase is expected to reflect in the August 2026 payroll and will be backdated to July 1, 2026.[1]
2. Who is included in the Phase 2 salary review?
The revised pay structure applies to teachers on the TSC payroll, while interns are excluded from this phase.[1]
3. How much will teachers earn under the new salary scales?
Reported monthly basic pay increases range from Sh693 to Sh2,055, depending on the teacher’s grade and salary notch.[1]
4. Do the new changes affect allowances too?
This phase is mainly a basic salary review, so allowance changes should only be stated if confirmed by the official TSC circular.[4]
