TSC Announces Payment Date For Intern And Replacement Teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced that it will settle salary arrears for intern and replacement teachers in May 2026, bringing relief to thousands of educators who have experienced delayed payments since the beginning of the year.

This development follows the TSC processing of April salaries, which were released on Monday, April 20, after the payroll was finalized on Thursday, April 16.

While many teachers finally received their monthly pay in April, a large number only got compensation for one month, despite having worked for several months without pay. This left arrears for many affected teachers unresolved, dating back to January and February.

Earlier in the year, TSC recruited a total of 24,000 junior school intern teachers and deployed them across the country in January 2026.

In addition, the Commission hired 9,159 replacement teachers to fill vacancies left by educators who exited the service in 2025 due to retirement, resignation, or other forms of natural attrition. Of these replacement teachers, some were posted to their stations in January, while others reported in February.

Intern teachers were engaged on a one-year contract running from January 1 to December 31, 2026. On the other hand, replacement teachers were employed on permanent and pensionable terms, making them eligible for full employment benefits after completing their probation period.

The replacement positions were distributed across different levels of education, including 7,065 posts in primary schools, a small number in junior schools, and 2,082 posts in secondary schools.

Despite the recruitment drive, TSC faced financial challenges that affected timely salary payments. The Commission initially began paying the newly hired teachers in March, but a majority did not receive their salaries that month.

This delay was partly attributed to a reported budget deficit of KSh 7.5 billion, which had raised concerns about the Commission’s financial stability. However, the situation improved after TSC received an additional allocation of KSh 24.2 billion through a supplementary budget, enabling it to address salary shortfalls.

Even so, dissatisfaction has persisted among teachers, particularly those who have now gone up to four months without full pay. Many have raised concerns over the delayed arrears, which they say have made it difficult to meet basic living expenses.

Currently, junior school intern teachers earn a monthly stipend of KSh 20,000. After statutory deductions such as SHIF, the housing levy, and NSSF contributions, their take-home pay averages around KSh 18,000.

Unlike interns, replacement teachers enjoy more comprehensive remuneration packages. Upon confirmation after probation, they are entitled to full salary scales and additional benefits.

Primary school teachers employed under grade B5 (Primary Teacher II) earn a basic salary ranging from KSh 25,028 to KSh 31,615. They also receive allowances, including a commuter allowance of KSh 4,000, an annual leave allowance of KSh 4,000 paid in January, and a hardship allowance of KSh 6,600 for those stationed in designated hardship areas.

Housing allowances vary by location, with most areas receiving KSh 3,500, municipalities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret receiving KSh 4,500, and Nairobi teachers receiving up to KSh 6,750.

Additionally, these teachers benefit from comprehensive medical coverage provided through the Social Health Authority (SHA). Career progression is also structured, with primary teachers automatically moving to job group C1 after three years of service.

For junior and secondary school teachers, salary structures differ based on qualifications. Diploma holders are employed at job group C1, while graduate teachers begin at job group C2.

A graduate teacher (Secondary Teacher II) earns a starting basic salary of KSh 39,070, which can rise to KSh 49,100. They also receive a commuter allowance of KSh 5,000, an annual leave allowance of KSh 6,000, and a hardship allowance of KSh 10,900, where applicable.

Housing allowances for secondary school teachers are higher, with a base rate of KSh 9,600. Those working in major municipalities receive KSh 12,800, while teachers in Nairobi are entitled to KSh 16,500. Diploma teachers are eligible for promotion to grade C2 after three years, while graduate teachers move up to grade C3 within the same period.

All newly recruited teachers are currently serving a six-month probation period, after which they will be confirmed into permanent and pensionable terms if they meet the required performance standards.

With the promise to clear arrears in May, teachers are now looking forward to receiving their full dues, hoping that the delays experienced earlier in the year will not recur.

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