TSC’s revised salary scales put Chief Principals at the top, with monthly basic pay reaching Ksh164,977 plus housing and commuter allowances.
TSC Chief Principals earn up to Ksh230,977 in monthly gross pay under the revised salary structure. That figure combines the highest basic salary with Nairobi’s house allowance and a commuter allowance.
Eligible teachers in the same grade also qualify for a Ksh38,100 monthly hardship allowance. The TSC breakdown puts their potential gross earnings at Ksh269,077 with this additional payment.
The changes form the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). A TSC circular dated July 16, 2026, sets out the revised scales.
TSC Chief Principals lead the salary scales
Chief Principals fall under job grade D5, also known as T-Scale 15. Their monthly basic salaries range from Ksh133,351 to Ksh164,977, depending on their salary point.
In addition, they receive a monthly commuter allowance of Ksh16,000. Their house allowance varies by location: Ksh50,000 in Nairobi, Ksh35,000 in the second area cluster and Ksh25,000 elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Senior Principals in job grade D4 earn monthly basic salaries ranging from Ksh120,016 to Ksh148,480. Principals in job grade D3 receive between Ksh107,634 and Ksh131,405.
Both D3 and D4 teachers receive Ksh45,000 in monthly house allowance when serving in Nairobi. However, the rate falls to Ksh28,000 in the second cluster and Ksh21,000 in other areas.
Teachers in those two grades also receive a monthly commuter allowance of Ksh14,000. These payments sit alongside basic salaries rather than forming part of the basic salary ranges.
Eligibility and annual increments
TSC says the second phase took effect on July 1, 2026. It covers teachers who were in service on that date, but excludes intern teachers.
Teachers in the three highest grades also receive an annual leave allowance of Ksh10,000. TSC pays this once a year, rather than as part of monthly earnings. Eligible teachers additionally receive a disability guide allowance of Ksh20,000.
Meanwhile, the circular retains existing job titles and annual salary increments under the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015). Teachers moving to the revised scales also keep their existing incremental dates.
The agreement has four implementation stages. TSC signed it on July 18, 2025, with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET).
