Government and Policy

Why Intern Teachers Might Miss The TSC July Salary Increment

BY Getrude Mathayo · July 21, 2023 01:07 pm

KEY POINTS

Section 84 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers says the commission shall grant a teacher annual increment at regular intervals until the maximum salary point of the teacher’s job group is attained

According to the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, teachers employed in internship terms this year in February will miss salary increments in July.

This is because the teacher’s employment is on contract terms and therefore does not qualify for a salary increment. Intern teachers in primary school get a stipend of 15,000 shillings monthly while those in secondary schools including junior secondary get 20,000 shillings.

A yearly pay increase is required of all teachers who are employed by TSC permanently and who are eligible for pension benefits. This indicates that the commission’s employees receive their annual compensation increases.

Trade Smarter, Grow Faster with Kingdom Bank Trade Finance

Related Content: TSC To Dismiss Employment Of P1 Teachers

However, not every teacher who works for TSC on a permanent, pensionable basis receives a yearly raise. Contrary to what a teachers’ union claimed, the annual increment had never been canceled, according to the teacher’s employer

According to TSC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nancy Macharia, the 2015 Code of Regulations for Teachers, which outlines annual pay increases for all teachers, will remain in force.

The code further stipulates that upon initial appointment, TSC shall pay new teachers wages according to their grades.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers, KUPPET, has urged the SRC and the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, to adhere to teachers’ salary increments by the end of July 2023.

According to KUPPET secretary general Akelo Misori, teachers are overburdened by high taxes which has resulted in a high cost of living despite the government’s promise to increase the salaries.

“KUPPET demands immediate action by SRC and TSC to conclude the salary increment for teachers that has already been agreed between the union and the President,” Misori said.

“Regrettably and despite assurances, TSC and SRC are still going round in circles even as teachers suffer the burden of increased taxes and high inflation.” He added.

Misori spoke on Tuesday 18th July in a press conference held at KUPPET offices in Nairobi. In May, President William Ruto held a meeting with the union’s National Governing Council. He assured the government’s commitment to award teachers a salary rise of at least 10 percent upon passage of the Finance Bill.