As of 1 July 2026, the official TSC basic teacher salary scale runs from KSh 26,225 per month at the lowest B5 point to KSh 164,977 at the highest D5 point. Your exact basic pay depends on your grade and salary point. Gross pay adds applicable allowances, while net pay subtracts statutory and authorised deductions. TSC Circular No. 12/2026 applies through 30 June 2027 and excludes intern teachers.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Current Teacher Salary Rates by TSC Grade
The current teacher salary table below gives the monthly basic salary range for each TSC grade under Phase 2 of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is effective from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. These are basic-pay figures, not gross or net salary figures.
| Grade / T-Scale | Common job titles | Minimum basic pay | Maximum basic pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 / 5 | Primary Teacher II | KSh 26,225 | KSh 33,444 |
| C1 / 6 | Primary Teacher I; Secondary Teacher III; Lecturer III | KSh 32,423 | KSh 41,072 |
| C2 / 7 | Secondary Teacher II; Lecturer II; Senior Teacher II | KSh 41,100 | KSh 50,287 |
| C3 / 8 | Secondary Teacher I; Lecturer I; Senior Teacher I | KSh 48,754 | KSh 62,659 |
| C4 / 9 | Senior Master IV; Senior Lecturer IV; Deputy Head Teacher II | KSh 57,667 | KSh 72,988 |
| C5 / 10 | Head Teacher; Senior Master III; Deputy Head Teacher I; CSO II | KSh 68,948 | KSh 82,160 |
| D1 / 11 | Senior Head Teacher; Deputy Principal III; Senior Master II; CSO I | KSh 80,500 | KSh 97,827 |
| D2 / 12 | Deputy Principal II; Senior Master I; Senior Lecturer I | KSh 93,883 | KSh 114,322 |
| D3 / 13 | Principal; Deputy Principal I; Chief CSO | KSh 107,634 | KSh 131,405 |
| D4 / 14 | Senior Principal | KSh 120,016 | KSh 148,480 |
| D5 / 15 | Chief Principal | KSh 133,351 | KSh 164,977 |
The circular applies to teachers who were in service on 1 July 2026, except intern teachers. Do not use this table to estimate an intern stipend or the pay of a teacher employed by a private school, county institution or another employer.
Important limitation: A teacher salary grade range does not tell you the exact amount that should appear on your payslip. The correct figure depends on the salary point into which TSC converted you, your retained incremental date and any later authorised change.
Understand TSC Grades, T-Scales and Salary Points
Your teacher salary is tied to a TSC grade that identifies your appointment level. The related T-Scale is the payroll scale attached to that grade. Within the scale, salary points—often called notches—provide progressive basic-pay amounts. Two teachers in the same grade can therefore receive different basic salaries while both figures remain correct.
- Grade: your formal career level, such as B5, C1, C2 or D1.
- T-Scale: the numbered payroll scale corresponding to that grade.
- Salary point: your position within the grade’s basic-pay range.
- Job title: the designation attached to your appointment, such as Primary Teacher II, Senior Teacher I or Principal.
The phrase P1 teacher salary can be misleading because P1 is an older qualification description, not a single current payroll grade. Many primary teachers appear under B5 or C1 depending on their formal appointment and career progression. Use the grade shown on your latest appointment, promotion or payslip record rather than assuming one flat P1 rate.
The Phase 2 circular states that teachers retain their existing incremental dates. Where an incremental date fell on 1 July 2026, the annual increment was to be applied on the previous scale before conversion to the new point. This is why comparing only your grade with a colleague’s grade can produce the wrong conclusion.
House Allowance by Workstation Cluster
TSC house allowance varies by both grade and workstation cluster. Phase 2 uses three clusters: Cluster 1 is Nairobi City; Cluster 2 covers Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru cities plus Nyeri, Eldoret, Thika, Kisii, Malindi, Kakamega and Kitale municipalities; Cluster 3 covers minor municipalities and all other areas.
| Grade | Cluster 1 | Cluster 2 | Cluster 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 | KSh 6,750 | KSh 4,500 | KSh 3,850 |
| C1 | KSh 10,000 | KSh 7,500 | KSh 5,800 |
| C2 | KSh 16,500 | KSh 12,800 | KSh 9,600 |
| C3 | KSh 28,000 | KSh 22,000 | KSh 16,500 |
| C4 | KSh 28,000 | KSh 22,000 | KSh 16,500 |
| C5 | KSh 35,000 | KSh 25,500 | KSh 18,000 |
| D1 | KSh 45,000 | KSh 28,000 | KSh 21,000 |
| D2 | KSh 45,000 | KSh 28,000 | KSh 21,000 |
| D3 | KSh 45,000 | KSh 28,000 | KSh 21,000 |
| D4 | KSh 45,000 | KSh 28,000 | KSh 21,000 |
| D5 | KSh 50,000 | KSh 35,000 | KSh 25,000 |
House allowance is separate from basic teacher salary. The cluster is determined by the official workstation on your employment record, not your home county or residence. If you transfer, do not assume the cluster changes immediately or retrospectively; confirm the effective workstation and payroll date on the transfer documentation and payslip.
Hardship, Commuter, Leave and Disability Allowances
These allowances are separate from basic teacher salary. The CBA circular says they continue to be paid where applicable. “Where applicable” matters: hardship allowance depends on an officially designated hardship station, while disability guide allowance is not a universal payment. The annual leave allowance is payable once in a year rather than every month.
| Grade | Monthly hardship allowance | Monthly commuter allowance |
|---|---|---|
| B5 | KSh 6,600 | KSh 4,000 |
| C1 | KSh 8,200 | KSh 4,000 |
| C2 | KSh 10,900 | KSh 5,000 |
| C3 | KSh 12,300 | KSh 6,000 |
| C4 | KSh 14,650 | KSh 8,000 |
| C5 | KSh 17,100 | KSh 8,000 |
| D1 | KSh 27,300 | KSh 12,000 |
| D2 | KSh 27,300 | KSh 12,000 |
| D3 | KSh 31,500 | KSh 14,000 |
| D4 | KSh 31,500 | KSh 14,000 |
| D5 | KSh 38,100 | KSh 16,000 |
| Grade | Annual leave allowance | Disability guide allowance |
|---|---|---|
| B5 | KSh 4,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| C1 | KSh 4,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| C2 | KSh 6,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| C3 | KSh 6,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| C4 | KSh 6,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| C5 | KSh 6,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| D1 | KSh 10,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| D2 | KSh 10,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| D3 | KSh 10,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| D4 | KSh 10,000 | KSh 20,000 |
| D5 | KSh 10,000 | KSh 20,000 |
The circular also retains baggage allowance for qualifying movement, with rates stated per kilometre in Appendix A. It should not be treated as a monthly salary component. Use the approved transfer or deployment documentation and the current circular when checking whether a baggage claim applies.
Gross Pay, Net Pay and Statutory Deductions
A teacher salary table cannot provide one reliable take-home figure. Your gross pay combines basic salary and the allowances that apply to you. Your net pay is what remains after statutory, pension and authorised third-party deductions. Tax reliefs, loan balances, SACCO instructions and other individual records make net pay personal.
| Payslip item | Current basis | How to verify it |
|---|---|---|
| PAYE | Calculated from taxable employment income after applicable deductions and reliefs | Compare with current KRA PAYE guidance and your P9 |
| Social Health Insurance Fund | 2.75% of gross salary or wage under the regulations | Check the gross-pay basis and your SHA record |
| Affordable Housing Levy | Employee contribution of 1.5% of gross monthly salary; the employer contributes separately | Compare the employee line with current KRA AHL guidance |
| Pension | Depends on the pension arrangement applying to the appointment | Check the scheme name, payslip line and employment record |
| SACCO, union, loan or insurance | Membership, contract or authorised instruction—not one standard statutory rate | Compare with the provider statement and the instruction you gave |
Do not calculate PAYE as a percentage of basic salary alone. Taxable pay, allowable deductions and reliefs affect the result. Likewise, the employee housing levy and social health contribution use gross-pay definitions, so a basic-salary-only calculation can be misleading.
For help understanding the health record behind the deduction, use our SHA registration and Afya Yangu guide. A portal-registration problem and a payroll-deduction dispute are related but separate issues.
How to Confirm Your Teacher Salary on a TSC Payslip
Use the payslip as a line-by-line record rather than comparing only the final net amount. Our TSC payslip login and download guide explains how to access T-PAY securely.
- Check the salary month. Confirm that you are reviewing a payslip covered by the 1 July 2026 Phase 2 effective date.
- Find the basic salary line. Compare it with the range for your grade, then check your salary point rather than assuming the minimum or maximum.
- Review allowances separately. Confirm house cluster, hardship eligibility, commuter allowance and any non-monthly payment.
- Separate statutory and third-party deductions. Identify PAYE, health and housing deductions before checking loans, SACCOs, union dues or insurance.
- Compare supporting records. Use your appointment or promotion letter, transfer record, earlier payslip, P9 and provider statements where relevant.
- Record the exact discrepancy. State the payslip month, line item, expected basis and supporting document. Avoid sending only a screenshot with no explanation.
Security: Never publish or send an unredacted payslip in a public group. Hide your full TSC number, national ID, KRA PIN, payroll number, bank details and deduction account numbers. TSC or a genuine support officer should not need your password or one-time code to explain a salary line.
How Promotions and Annual Increments Affect Pay
Your teacher salary can change through an annual increment or a formal promotion. An annual increment moves an eligible teacher to the next salary point within the existing scale. A promotion places the teacher in a higher appointment after the formal process is completed. Applying, being shortlisted or attending an interview does not by itself change the payroll grade.
Use the effective date in the formal appointment or promotion communication when checking a pay change. If the new grade has not appeared, confirm whether payroll has received and processed the authorised record. Do not assume an arrears amount; ask TSC to confirm whether arrears apply and the period covered.
For official portal routes covering promotions, wealth declaration and other teacher services, use our TSC Online Services guide. Confirm any vacancy, deadline or appointment through the live TSC service rather than a forwarded poster.
What to Do When Your Salary Looks Wrong
When a teacher salary looks wrong, first decide whether the problem is basic pay, an allowance, a statutory deduction or a third-party deduction. Each category needs different evidence and may be handled by a different office or provider.
| Problem | Check first | Recovery route |
|---|---|---|
| Basic salary outside your grade range | Grade, salary point, effective date and appointment letter | Report through your institution and the relevant TSC administrative or HR channel |
| Wrong house allowance | Official workstation and cluster | Attach transfer or deployment record and payslip month |
| Missing hardship allowance | Whether the station is officially designated and the effective posting date | Raise the station and eligibility record through TSC |
| Unexpected SACCO, loan or insurance deduction | Provider statement and authorised instruction | Contact the provider and use the T-PAY third-party process where applicable |
| PAYE, health or housing difference | Gross pay, taxable items, reliefs and current statutory basis | Ask payroll for the computation; use KRA or SHA records for the relevant component |
- Keep the current and previous payslips, plus the relevant appointment, promotion or transfer record.
- Write down the exact line and month affected instead of reporting only “salary is low”.
- Start with your Head of Institution or established TSC administrative route so the employment record can be checked.
- For a general official enquiry, use the contact information published on the TSC website. Do not send credentials or an unredacted payslip by email.
- Keep a dated copy of your submission and any reference number or written response.
A first payslip after conversion, promotion or transfer may contain a separate adjustment line. Treat the description and effective period as evidence; do not assume that every unusual amount is a permanent monthly rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting teacher salary in Kenya under TSC?
The lowest basic-pay point in the Phase 2 table is KSh 26,225 per month for Grade B5. That is not a universal starting rate for every teacher: intern teachers are excluded from Circular No. 12/2026, and non-TSC employers use their own terms.
What is the P1 teacher salary?
There is no single current P1 payroll rate. P1 is an older qualification description. Check whether the teacher is formally appointed in B5, C1 or another grade, then use the salary point shown on the current TSC record.
What are the C1, C2 and C3 teacher salary ranges?
From 1 July 2026, C1 basic pay ranges from KSh 32,423 to KSh 41,072; C2 from KSh 41,100 to KSh 50,287; and C3 from KSh 48,754 to KSh 62,659. Your salary point determines the exact amount.
Are TSC allowances included in the basic salary table?
No. The grade table shows basic salary only. Applicable house, commuter, hardship and other authorised allowances are added separately to form gross pay.
Why can two teachers in the same grade earn different basic pay?
They may be on different salary points because of their incremental dates, conversion history or the effective date of an authorised appointment. Compare the point, not only the grade.
Does the Phase 2 salary table cover intern teachers?
No. TSC Circular No. 12/2026 expressly excludes intern teachers. An intern should use the current internship agreement and official TSC communication, not the B5–D5 CBA table.
Does a promotion application immediately increase salary?
No. A payroll change requires a formal appointment or promotion outcome and an effective placement. An application, shortlist or interview is not itself a new salary instruction.
Related TSC Guides
- Download and read a TSC payslip on T-PAY
- Use TSC online services for promotions, wealth declaration and other tasks
- Check the TSC recruitment portal and vacancy process
- Register for SHA and check the Afya Yangu account
Official Sources
- Implementation of Phase 2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement 2025–2029 for Teachers, Teachers Service Commission, Circular No. 12/2026, 16 July 2026. Checked 27 July 2026.
- Teachers Service Commission Code of Regulations for Teachers, 2015, Kenya Law, Legal Notice No. 196 of 2015. Checked 27 July 2026.
- Pay As You Earn guidance, Kenya Revenue Authority. Checked 27 July 2026.
- Collection of Affordable Housing Levy by Kenya Revenue Authority, public notice dated 21 March 2024. Checked 27 July 2026.
- Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, Kenya Law, Legal Notice No. 49 of 2024. Checked 27 July 2026.
