Teaching is a noble profession that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals and society.
In Kenya, primary school teachers are at the forefront of this mission, imparting knowledge and skills to young learners.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is responsible for the recruitment and management of teachers in the country, including setting their salaries and allowances.
For primary school teachers, entry into the service is at grade B5, and their compensation package includes basic salary, house allowance, hardship allowance, commuter allowance, and annual leave allowance.
Let’s take a closer look at the updated TSC starting salary of a primary school teacher and the various allowances they are entitled to.
Basic Salary of P1 Teachers Grade B5
The basic salary of P1 teachers in Grade B5 is structured according to salary points, with each point representing a different level of experience or qualification.
At salary point 1, P1 teachers earn a basic salary of 22,793 Kenyan Shillings. As they progress to salary point 2, their basic salary increases to 23,838 Kenyan Shillings, and this pattern continues with incremental increases at each subsequent point.
For instance, at salary point 3, P1 teachers receive a basic salary of 24,927 Kenyan Shillings, while at salary point 4, they earn 26,065 Kenyan Shillings.
The highest basic salary in Grade B5 is at salary point 5, where P1 teachers receive 27,272 Kenyan Shillings.
These salary points reflect the TSC’s recognition of the experience and qualifications of P1 teachers, with higher points indicating higher levels of expertise and contribution to the education sector.
| BASIC SALARY | ||
| SALARY POINTS | SALARY | ALLOWANCE GRADE |
| 1 | 22,793 | B5 |
| 2 | 23,838 | B5 |
| 3 | 24,927 | B5 |
| 4 | 26,065 | B5 |
| 5 | 27,272 | B5 |
| 6 | 28,491 | B5 |
House Allowance
House allowance is a significant component of a teacher’s total compensation, particularly considering the varying costs of living across different regions in Kenya.
The TSC B5 salary scale outlines different house allowance rates based on the cluster classification of the area where a teacher is stationed. For teachers stationed in Nairobi City, which falls under Cluster 1, the house allowance stands at Ksh. 6,750.
In Cluster 2, which includes cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, as well as municipalities like Nyeri and Eldoret, the house allowance is set at Ksh. 4,500. Meanwhile, in Cluster 3, which covers municipalities like Thika, Kisii, Malindi, and Kitale, the house allowance is slightly lower at Ksh. 3,850.
Finally, for teachers in Cluster 4, which includes other former municipalities and all other areas not classified under the previous clusters, the house allowance remains at Ksh. 3,850.
These variations in house allowance rates reflect the TSC’s efforts to ensure that teachers receive adequate support to meet their housing needs, taking into account the differing living costs across various regions of Kenya.
| HOUSE ALLOWANCE | ||||||
| S/no | Grade | TSC Scale | CLUSTER 1 Nairobi City | CLUSTER 2 Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru Cities, Nyeri, Eldoret,Thika, Kisii, Malindi and Kitale Municipalities | CLUSTER 3 Other Former Municipalities | CLUSTER 4 All Other Areas |
| B5 | 5 | 6,750 | 4,500 | 3,850 | 3,850 | |
Hardship Allowance, Commuter Allowance, Annual Leave Allowance
P1 teachers under the TSC B5 salary scale are entitled to several allowances that contribute to their overall earnings and welfare.
The hardship allowance, amounting to Ksh. 6,600, acknowledges the challenging work environments that some teachers face, particularly those serving in remote or difficult-to-reach areas.
This allowance aims to provide additional support to teachers who work in such conditions, recognizing the extra effort and dedication required to fulfill their duties effectively.
Additionally, P1 teachers are eligible for a commuter allowance of Ksh. 4,000, which helps offset the costs associated with commuting to and from their duty stations.
This allowance acknowledges the expenses incurred by teachers in traveling to their schools, ensuring that they are adequately supported in meeting these financial obligations.
Moreover, P1 teachers are entitled to an annual leave allowance of Ksh. 4,000, which serves as a form of compensation for the annual leave days they are entitled to take.
This allowance is meant to provide financial support to teachers during their annual leave, enabling them to rest and rejuvenate before returning to work.
| HARDSHIP ALLOWANCE, COMMUTER ALLOWANCE, ANNUAL LEAVE ALLOWANCE AND DISABILITY GUIDE ALLOWANCE | ||||||
| Sno | Grade | Tsc Scale | Hardship Allowance | Commuter Allowance | Annual Leave Allowance | Disability Guide Allowance |
| 1 | B5 | 5 | 6,600 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 20,000 |
Requirements For Appointment
To qualify for appointment to Grade B5, a primary school teacher must have a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) minimum mean Grade C (Plain) or other recognized equivalent qualifications.
They must also have a Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) or its approved equivalent, be registered as a teacher, and possess a valid Teaching Certificate.
Additionally, they must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution and any other requirement the Commission may deem necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TSC B5 salary scale for primary school teachers provides a structured and competitive compensation package that takes into account the experience, qualifications, and location of teachers.
It aims to attract and retain qualified teachers in the profession while ensuring that they are adequately supported in their roles.
The various allowances, including house allowance, hardship allowance, commuter allowance, and annual leave allowance, contribute to the overall welfare of teachers, enabling them to focus on their primary task of educating the future generations of Kenya.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
