TSC Career Progression and Salary Structure for Junior Secondary School Teachers.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially released the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) for junior secondary school (JSS) teachers, aligning them with the same framework used for secondary school educators. This structured pathway allows teachers to rise from the lowest grade, C1, up to the highest, D5, following the established CPG system.
This move comes in response to widespread concern from teachers who were excluded from the January and February promotion interviews, during which 25,252 educators were promoted. A teacher said many felt demoralized by being left out despite their contributions. Another mentioned that it was unfair to exclude them simply because their job classification had not been properly defined.
Though JSS sections are hosted within primary schools, the Commission has classified them as distinct and independent institutions. Under the new guidelines, only teachers hired on permanent and pensionable (pnp) terms are eligible for promotion. Intern teachers, who receive a stipend, are excluded from this framework. Nonetheless, the TSC considers internship a mandatory prerequisite for permanent employment.
Entry Grades and Automatic Promotions
The Commission has clarified that Diploma holders will enter employment at job group C1, while degree holders will start at C2. After serving for three years, Diploma teachers will be automatically promoted to C2, and Graduate teachers to C3. Teachers must remain in job groups C2 and C3 respectively until they attend and pass promotion interviews.
Eligibility for promotion to the next grade requires a teacher to have served a minimum of three years in their current grade. From job group C4 onwards, roles are administrative and promotions become competitive, based solely on interview performance.
Administrative Roles and Job Structure
The TSC recognizes three administrative positions within junior schools: Senior Master, Deputy Principal, and Principal. Teachers can enter administration at grade C4, designated as Senior Master IV. Promotions beyond this point follow the hierarchy:
| Designation | Job Grade | Job Group |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Teacher III (JSS) | C1 | F |
| Secondary Teacher II (JSS) | C2 | G |
| Secondary Teacher I (JSS) | C3 | H |
| Senior Master IV (JSS) | C4 | J |
| Senior Master III (JSS) | C5 | K |
| Senior Master II (JSS) | D1 | L |
| Senior Master I (JSS) | D2 | M |
| Deputy Principal IV (JSS) | C5 | K |
| Deputy Principal III (JSS) | D1 | L |
| Deputy Principal II (JSS) | D2 | M |
| Deputy Principal I (JSS) | D3 | N |
| Principal (JSS) | D3 | N |
| Senior Principal (JSS) | D4 | P |
| Chief Principal (JSS) | D5 | Q |
Remuneration Details
Basic Salary Structure (Revised)
| Grade | Basic Pay (Min) | Basic Pay (Max) |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | 27,195 | 33,994 |
| C2 | 34,955 | 43,694 |
| C3 | 43,154 | 53,943 |
| C4 | 52,308 | 65,385 |
| C5 | 62,272 | 77,840 |
| D1 | 77,840 | 93,408 |
| D2 | 91,041 | 109,249 |
| D3 | 104,644 | 125,573 |
| D4 | 118,242 | 141,891 |
| D5 | 131,380 | 157,656 |
Allowances for JSS Teachers
Commuter Allowance
| Grade | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 | 5,000 |
| C3 | 6,000 |
| C4 | 8,000 |
| C5 | 8,000 |
| D1 | 12,000 |
| D2 | 12,000 |
| D3 | 14,000 |
| D4 | 14,000 |
| D5 | 16,000 |
Disability Guide Allowance
Applicable to teachers in special units and schools
| Grade | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| C1 – D5 | 20,000 |
Leave Allowance
Paid once annually in January
| Grade | Annual Allowance |
|---|---|
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 – C5 | 6,000 |
| D1 – D5 | 10,000 |
Hardship Allowance
For teachers working in designated hardship areas
| Grade | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| C1 | 8,200 |
| C2 | 10,900 |
| C3 | 12,300 |
| C4 | 14,650 |
| C5 | 17,100 |
| D1 – D2 | 27,300 |
| D3 – D4 | 31,500 |
| D5 | 38,100 |
House Allowance (Based on Location)
| Grade | Hse1: Nairobi | Hse2: Major Municipalities | Hse3: Minor Municipalities | Hse4: Other Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 5,800 | 4,200 |
| C2 | 16,500 | 12,800 | 9,600 | 7,500 |
| C3 – C4 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 13,000 |
| C5 | 35,000 | 25,500 | 18,000 | 15,400 |
| D1 – D4 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D5 | 50,000 | 35,000 | 25,000 | 20,000 |
Conclusion
The introduction of a clear progression structure for JSS teachers is a significant step towards career clarity and motivation within the profession. Teachers expressed hope that these new guidelines will end the stagnation that has plagued the profession and offer tangible rewards for service and performance.
TSC Career Progression and Salary Structure for Junior Secondary School Teachers.
