Basic Salary & TSC Allowances for C3-T Scale 8 Senior Teachers, Lecturers, Secondary, Primary, SNE Teachers

Basic Salary & TSC Allowances for job group C3-T Scale 8 Senior Teachers, Lecturers, Secondary, Primary, SNE Teachers

Teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) fall into various categories, each aligned with specific salary scales and allowances based on their level of experience and academic qualifications. These classifications ensure a structured progression and equitable compensation system within the teaching profession.

The Teachers Service Commission reached an agreement on the 2021-2025 CBA with the teachers unions in 2023. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) all signed the deal.

These adjustments brought notable changes to the salary structure for teachers under job group C3. The update aimed to resolve long-standing concerns surrounding the compensation of educators in this category.

The group signed an addendum to the collective bargaining agreement for 2021–2025 with TSC to protect teachers from new statutory deductions and the rising cost of living.

The signature took place at the Kenya School of Government under the supervision of the union’s general secretary.

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The addendum comes with two financial advantages. First, a basic salary review of up to 9.5% for the lowest-paid teachers and 2.4% for the highest-paid teachers.

TSC has announced a salary adjustment and the introduction of new allowances for teachers, effective July 1, 2023.

Teachers Updates delves into the conversion of the salary structure for Secondary Teacher I/Lecturer I/Senior Special Needs Teacher (Primary/Senior Needs Teacher) (Senior Teacher I), who fall under Grade C3 and T Scale 8.

Salary Adjustments:

For a prolonged period, the salary for teachers in job group C3 had sparked considerable debate due to perceived disparities and stagnation. However, the new salary structure is seen as a corrective step. Despite this progress, the finer details regarding the revised salaries and allowances for teachers in the C3 category have not been widely disseminated or understood by the general public.

Who Qualifies for C3 Salary

To qualify for the C3 salary, a teacher must possess either a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a diploma in Education accompanied by additional experience. They must have served in Grade C2 for at least three years and shown strong performance in their roles. Participation in TSC’s professional development programs, where applicable, is also necessary for promotion to this level.

Teachers newly recruited by the TSC do not start at Grade C3. Instead, primary school teachers with diplomas begin at C1, while secondary school teachers holding a bachelor’s degree enter at C2. Advancement to C3 comes after gaining experience, attending required development courses, and applying for promotion.

For secondary school teachers, promotion to C3 is automatic after three years of service, after which further upward movement requires participation in competitive interviews.

This article aims to clarify the specific salary and allowance components that apply to teachers in the C3 grade under the new TSC framework.

It breaks down the new structure and provides insight into what teachers in this category can expect to earn. The key question remains: What is the current salary for a C3 teacher?

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Basic Salary & TSC Allowances for C3-T Scale 8 Senior Teachers, Lecturers, Secondary, Primary, SNE Teachers

In 2025, secondary school teachers placed under Job Group C3 earn a basic salary ranging between Ksh 43,154 and Ksh 53,943. The specific salary each teacher receives depends on various factors such as their level of experience, the nature of their duties, and the responsibilities assigned to them.

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Factors Determining Earnings

Salary and allowances for teachers are influenced by several conditions, including their location of service, employment category, and specific job responsibilities. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) ensures that remuneration is reflective of these parameters, offering both financial stability and support tailored to individual circumstances.

New TSC Allowances:

In addition to the TSC salary adjustments, teachers will now benefit from new allowances. Teachers employed on a permanent and pensionable basis receive two primary types of allowances: remunerative and reimbursable.

Remunerative allowances are disbursed monthly along with the salary, providing regular financial support. Reimbursable allowances, on the other hand, are issued upon application and are intended to cover specific work-related expenses.These allowances include:

House Allowance by Location

To support housing needs, C3 teachers are granted a house allowance based on their job location. Those stationed in Nairobi receive Ksh 28,000 monthly. Teachers in major municipalities are allocated Ksh 22,000, while those in former minor municipalities receive Ksh 16,500. In all other areas, the allowance is Ksh 13,000 per month.

Commuter Allowance for C3 Teachers

All teachers are entitled to a Monthly Commuter Allowance to ease travel costs. Teachers under Job Group C3 are granted Ksh 6,000 per month. This figure increases progressively with higher job groups.

Annual Leave Allowance

Each teacher from job groups C2 to C5 receives a uniform Leave Allowance of Ksh 6,000 annually. This support ensures that all teachers, regardless of their position within these grades, have assistance to manage annual leave-related expenses.

Hardship Allowance

For teachers assigned to hardship areas, a Monthly Hardship Allowance is provided to help them cope with difficult living and working conditions. In 2025, teachers in Job Group C3 working in such regions receive an additional Ksh 12,300 per month.

Special and Supplementary Allowances

Beyond the standard allowances, teachers may access additional support based on specific roles or needs. These include:

• Responsibility Allowance: Offered to school heads to support them in fulfilling administrative obligations.
• Disability Guide Allowance: Teachers in special schools are granted a fixed amount of Ksh 20,000 monthly, regardless of job group, to accommodate the demands of special education.
• Special Duty Allowance: Provided to teachers in administrative positions within arid areas.
• Readers Allowance: Given to visually impaired teachers to help them hire assistants or readers.
• Teacher Transfer Allowance: Awarded to facilitate relocation when teachers are transferred. It is equivalent to one month’s basic salary and adheres to the stipulations under the Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT).

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Overview of the C3 Salary Grade

The C3 teacher salary applies to educators who have advanced through the ranks of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) under the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG). This salary grade is designed for experienced teachers who meet specific qualifications and have demonstrated strong performance both in the classroom and in administrative roles.

Who Qualifies for the C3 Salary?

Teachers eligible for the C3 salary fall under Job Group L, also referred to as Grade C3 or Job Group 8 in the updated TSC grading system.

These include Senior Teacher I in primary schools, Senior Master III in secondary schools, and Senior Lecturer III in tertiary institutions. Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers in both primary and secondary institutions are also included in this category.

In conclusion, the 2024 Basic Salary and TSC Allowances for C3-T Scale 8 educators mark a positive stride in remuneration. The updated 2025 remuneration structure for C3 teachers reflects a comprehensive approach to compensation. With basic salaries ranging from Ksh 43,154 to Ksh 53,943 and a range of allowances—including Disability Guide, Hardship, and Commuter Allowances—the system now better recognizes the diverse roles and environments teachers operate in.

The new model ensures that Senior Teachers, Lecturers, Secondary, Primary, and SNE Teachers, particularly those in challenging and specialized settings, receive adequate support and recognition for their contributions.

Basic Salary & TSC Allowances for job group C3-T Scale 8 Senior Teachers, Lecturers, Secondary, Primary, SNE Teachers.