TSC to Settle Teachers’ Arrears in June Payroll as Budget Opens Way for Early Salary Payments
TSC to Settle Teachers’ Arrears in June Payroll as Budget Opens Way for Early Salary PaymentsThe Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has confirmed that teachers will receive their June 2025 salaries earlier than usual, following the reading of the national budget by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on June 12th. With the 2024/2025 financial year concluding on June 30, salary disbursements are expected between June 18 and 22, consistent with past trends.
In addition to the salaries, TSC will also clear various pending bills affecting teachers across the country. Sources indicate that key arrears to be paid include:
- Deployment-related salary arrears
- Hardship allowance arrears for teachers recently posted to designated hardship areas
- Payments owed to special needs education teachers
Hardship Allowance Controversy: TSC Under Fire Over Reclassification Plans
While some teachers will benefit from the payouts, others could lose out as TSC plans to scrap hardship allowances in certain regions. This move follows guidance from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The issue has caught the attention of Parliament. The Public Petitions Committee of the National Assembly, chaired by Hon. Edith Nyenze (Kitui West), will meet with TSC and SRC officials to discuss the criteria used to identify hardship zones.
This follows a petition from KUPPET Machakos Branch, presented by Hon. Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), which challenges the exclusion of Mwala and Kalama sub-counties from the list of recognized hardship areas despite their geographic and socio-economic similarity to neighboring hardship zones.
“Mwala lies between Yatta, Kitui Rural, and Mbooni East— all of which are classified as hardship areas,” said Hon. Musyoka.
He also highlighted disparities within Kalama Sub-county, where teachers in 33 public secondary schools receive hardship allowances, while 9 schools are left out.
No Pay Rise in Sight as CBA Negotiations Stall, Teachers Threaten Strike
Adding to the concerns, no salary increments were factored into the 2025–2026 national budget, sparking fresh tensions between TSC and teachers’ unions. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2021–2025 is set to expire on June 30, 2025, and negotiations for the next cycle (2025–2029) have stalled.
Teachers’ unions, including KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET, have demanded immediate negotiations, warning of possible nationwide strikes if their grievances are not addressed.
“We submitted our salary proposals months ago, yet TSC continues to delay, claiming they are waiting for advice from SRC,” said Hesbon Otieno, KNUT deputy secretary-general.
During a presentation to the National Assembly Education Committee on May 13, TSC’s Director of Finance, Cheptumo Ayabei, confirmed that the CBA funding request had not been included in the 2025–2026 budget estimates.
TSC CEO on Terminal Leave Amid Crisis, Unions Want Talks with Acting Boss
Amid the ongoing standoff, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia has taken terminal leave ahead of her official retirement on June 30 after a ten-year term. Unions suspect the CBA impasse influenced her early exit.
They are now calling on acting CEO Evaleen Jesang Mitei to step up and initiate negotiations.
“The commission is fully constituted, and we expect the acting CEO to take leadership and begin the talks,” said Akelo Misori, KUPPET secretary-general.
James Torome, secretary-general of KUSNET, noted that their union has not received any communication from TSC since July 2024, despite submitting their proposals.
What’s at Stake?
- KNUT is demanding a 60% increase in basic salaries over four years, aligned with inflation.
- A 30% boost in allowances is also being sought across all cadres.
- Without a new CBA, no pay rises will be implemented, leaving teachers stuck on outdated terms.
