September – TSC corrects Errors in pay
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has recently addressed and corrected salary discrepancies for teachers in Grade C5, following an error that affected those recently promoted from Grade C4. The error, which had been causing salary inconsistencies, has now been rectified to ensure fair compensation for the affected teachers.
Salary Discrepancies and Correction
The issue arose when teachers who had been promoted from Grade C4 to Grade C5 discovered that their new salary entry point was lower than what they had been earning under Grade C4, particularly for those who had already received an annual salary increment. Specifically, while the entry point for Grade C5 was set at Ksh62,272, many teachers were already earning a higher amount under Grade C4, which had an annual increment rate bringing their salaries to Ksh64,527.
This discrepancy meant that teachers, instead of receiving a salary increase with their promotion, were experiencing a pay cut, which understandably led to concerns and dissatisfaction among the affected staff.
TSC’s Response
Recognizing the issue, the TSC issued an internal memo on August 23, 2024, acknowledging the error and outlining the steps they would take to rectify it. The commission confirmed that the correct entry point for Grade C5 should be Ksh64,770, effectively aligning it with the higher pay grade previously enjoyed under Grade C4.
Implementation of Corrections
The TSC has directed all relevant unit heads within the Human Resource Management and Development Directorate to make the necessary payroll adjustments by September 20, 2024. This correction will ensure that all affected teachers—totaling 36,504—will receive the appropriate salary adjustments in their next pay cycle.
Additionally, the memo specified that the affected teachers would maintain their incremental months as per the current policy, which is based on the month of their promotion. This means that their future salary increments will continue to follow the timeline established by their promotion date, ensuring no further discrepancies occur.
Impact on Teachers
This correction is expected to bring significant financial relief to the affected teachers, who were understandably frustrated by the initial pay discrepancies. By addressing the issue swiftly, the TSC has not only corrected the error but also reinforced its commitment to ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated for their work, especially following a promotion.
The adjustment will be reflected in the September 2024 payroll, ensuring that the teachers who were disadvantaged by the initial error will receive the corrected amount. This move is part of the TSC’s broader efforts to uphold transparency and fairness in teacher compensation, particularly during the implementation of the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Overall, this correction highlights the TSC’s responsiveness to issues raised by teachers and its commitment to ensuring equitable pay across all grades and job groups within the teaching profession.
