All teachers in Kenya are employed under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Even those yet to be employed are required to have a special number known as TSC number to enable them to work even in private schools.
Teaching in Kenya is a noble profession. It is the only profession that gives birth to all other professions. In fact, apart from the health sector, the education sector is a key driver for the growth of the economy.
Many people think that Kenyan teachers are among the poorly paid. Not really. Compared to many counties in Africa, a Kenyan teacher is among those well-paid and protected by one of the most vocal labor movements, the Kenya National Union of Teachers, (KNUT).
According to the current CBA, primary school headteachers and secondary school principals were moved to higher job grades in 2016. The primary school heads were automatically moved up to Grade D1, where they earn between 77,840 and 93,408 shillings.
Primary headteachers with lower student populations were elevated to C5, earning KSh 62,272 and KSh 77,840. The primary school’s deputy headteachers on the other hand were moved up to Grade C4 and C5 where they earn between Ksh 52,308 and Ksh 65,385.
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Senior primary teachers were moved up, to grade C2, to earn between Sh34,955 and 43,694. As for Principals of national schools, they were moved to Grade D5 earning between Ksh 131,380 and Ksh 157,656. The pay for secondary school teachers was based on school categories.
When Covid-19 came knocking, concerns were raised as to how teachers would sail through given that they come in contact with so many learners from different parts of the country. At one time, KEMRI predicted a possibility of a spike in Covid-19 infections as a result of the reopening of the schools.
To help teachers perform their duties without being scared of Covid-19, or the burden of hospital bills in the event they contracted Covid-19, teachers’ insurance provider, Minet Kenya, offered to cover all medical bills. The medical bills under Minet Kenya now cover expenses for teachers who might contract Covid-19 while in school.
The Kenyan teachers became the first in the country to have their medical bills catered for when it comes to Covid-19. The insurance provider has so far increased the number of hospitals where teachers can visit and be treated and the costs are taken care of.