Victory for Teachers: TSC and Unions Agree to Scrap B5, Introduce C1 as New Entry Grade in Groundbreaking 2025–2029 CBA
C1 Replaces B5 as New Entry Point for Primary School Teachers in Latest TSC CBA
Victory for Teachers: TSC and Unions Agree to Scrap B5, Introduce C1 as New Entry Grade in Groundbreaking 2025–2029 CBA, In a landmark agreement that’s being hailed as a major win for educators across Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and key teachers’ unions have agreed to eliminate Job Group B5. The new 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) introduces Job Group C1 as the new entry-level grade for all primary school teachers—a long-awaited change that is set to enhance morale, correct salary disparities, and improve teacher welfare.
Why Scrapping B5 is a Game Changer
For years, Job Group B5 has been the entry point for newly recruited primary school teachers—yet it came with low pay, minimal allowances, and poor career progression. Teachers in B5 were the lowest-paid cadre despite holding qualifications comparable to higher-graded colleagues.
Under the new arrangement, all new teachers will start at C1, a level that offers significantly better pay and allowances. This shift is a huge relief for educators who have long advocated for fair compensation and recognition of their professional training.
Union Pressure Leads to Reform
The push to eliminate B5 gained momentum during the 2025–2029 CBA negotiations. Both KNUT and KUPPET strongly advocated for the reform, citing the rising cost of living and the need for dignified entry into the teaching profession.
Union leaders emphasized that starting at C1 would not only boost teachers’ morale but also promote equity and retention within the education sector.
TSC Responds Positively to Union Demands
Responding to mounting pressure and nationwide calls for reform, the TSC has agreed to abolish B5. The Commission confirmed that once the new CBA takes effect, C1 will officially become the starting grade for all primary school teachers.
Key Benefits of the Transition to C1 Include:
- Higher basic salary (from Ksh 27,195)
- Improved house, hardship, and commuter allowances
- Clearer career progression
- Enhanced teacher motivation and retention
Implications for New and Existing Teachers
Newly hired teachers will now join the profession under Job Group C1, skipping the previously stagnant and low-paying B5. Currently, B5 teachers earn around Ksh 21,756 in basic salary, making the C1 upgrade a significant financial boost.
Meanwhile, teachers already serving under B5 will be automatically promoted to C1. No one will be left behind, and all teachers are set to benefit from this structural change.
Smoother Promotions and Career Growth
The elimination of B5 is expected to streamline promotions. Teachers will move more efficiently through the ranks—C2, C3, C4, and beyond—without being trapped in a stagnant job group.
The revised grading structure also supports the TSC’s Teacher Professional Development (TPD) framework by rewarding qualifications, performance, and experience.
Teachers and Education Stakeholders Celebrate the Move
The reaction from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many educators, especially those in remote or hardship areas, have welcomed the change as long overdue.
“Finally, our voices are being heard,” said Mercy Wanjiku, a newly recruited teacher in Turkana. “Starting at C1 recognizes our hard work and qualifications.”
Education experts have also lauded the shift, noting that well-compensated teachers are more likely to deliver quality learning outcomes.
Budget Considerations and Government Support
While the change is widely celebrated, it comes with budgetary implications. Upgrading thousands of teachers to C1 will increase the TSC’s wage bill. Unions have called on the government to allocate more funds to the education sector to support the reform.
Investing in teachers, they argue, is investing in the future of Kenyan learners.
Aligning With National Education Reforms
This CBA reform complements Kenya’s ongoing education reforms, including the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which demands higher performance from teachers. Aligning compensation with expectations is critical to the success of these reforms
Stay updated with the latest education news in Kenya. Visit Jobsdaily for breaking stories, CBA updates, and in-depth coverage.
Join Our Whatsapp Channels:
