Breaking: TSC Announces New Commuter Allowance Boost in 2025–2029 CBA Phase 1 Talks
Teachers across Kenya have a reason to celebrate as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officially launches Phase 1 of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. A key highlight of the talks is the proposal to increase commuter allowances, alongside other salary and welfare enhancements.
With the current CBA (2021–2025) set to expire in June 2025, the new round of negotiations signals renewed commitment to improve teacher remuneration, allowances, and working conditions, especially under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) reforms.
Negotiations Begin: TSC Engages Teachers’ Unions
Formal talks kicked off on July 1, 2025, with KNUT leading the first round, followed by KUPPET and KUSNET. TSC’s Acting CEO Ms. Eveleen Mitei is leading the sessions following the retirement of Dr. Nancy Macharia.
The commission aims to conclude talks before the July payroll, ensuring salary adjustments take immediate effect if approved.
Government Backs Pay Hike Proposal
TSC’s new proposals align with recommendations from President William Ruto’s administration, acknowledging teachers’ central role in driving CBC and national development.
Although the 2025/2026 budget didn’t allocate direct salary raises, government insiders say a supplementary budget will cover any agreed adjustments.
KUPPET’s Bold Demand: 100% Salary Increase for Job Group B5
KUPPET is pushing for a 100% increase in basic salary for teachers in Job Group B5, raising the current starting salary from KSh 23,830 to KSh 47,660 over four years. That’s an average annual increase of KSh 7,446.
The union also proposes a comprehensive review of:
- Commuter allowances
- Hardship allowances
- Housing benefits
These adjustments aim to ease the burden of inflation and rising urban living costs.
KNUT’s Proposals: Salary, Risk Allowance, and Leave Structure
KNUT, which represents a large base of primary school teachers, is demanding a 60% increase in basic pay, spread over the CBA period. Additional proposals include:
Allowance Revisions
- 30% increase in hardship, medical, risk, and leave allowances
- A monthly risk allowance (10% of basic salary) for science and technical teachers
Hardship Zone Updates
KNUT urges TSC to revise hardship area classifications regularly, considering infrastructure, health access, and security levels.
Leave and Medical Benefits Overhaul
KNUT also wants improved leave terms, including:
- 30 working days of annual leave after 12 months of service
- Pro-rata leave for new hires
- Leave payout and travel allowances for exiting teachers
Medical Leave Proposal
Teachers would receive:
- 180 days of fully paid sick leave
- An additional 180 days at half pay
- Online sick leave applications, plus a 48-hour reporting window after falling ill
- Convalescent leave for recovery after major illness or surgery
Strike Threat Averted
KUPPET’s recent strike threat—with a seven-day ultimatum—was withdrawn after TSC scheduled urgent talks. Union leaders welcomed the move, calling for transparency and urgency in resolving issues affecting educators.
Commuter Allowance: Central Focus of All Unions
Unions are united in calling for a major commuter allowance review, citing:
- Surging fuel and transport costs
- Outdated compensation structures
- A need for inflation-adjusted rates
Teachers working in urban and peri-urban zones face especially high commuting costs. The unions say revising this allowance is essential for restoring teachers’ purchasing power.
Housing Allowance Also in Spotlight
In addition to commuting concerns, teachers in major towns are pushing for higher housing allowances, citing unaffordable rent in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
What’s at Stake: Education Reform and Teacher Motivation
These negotiations are seen as a test of the government’s commitment to education reform. With CBC fully rolled out, teachers are under pressure to deliver results. Unions insist that investing in teachers is critical to education quality and student success.
What’s Next?
As talks progress, updates will be shared regularly by TSC and the unions. If a deal is reached quickly, teachers could see the new commuter allowances and salary increments in their July payslips.
Kenya now looks to TSC, Treasury, and the unions to deliver a transformational CBA 2025–2029, one that reflects the true value and dedication of teachers.
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