TSC Salary for Primary School Teachers in Kenya (2026): Latest Pay Scale, Allowances & Full Earnings Breakdown
Explore the latest TSC salary for primary school teachers in Kenya (2025). Get the full updated pay scale, allowances, earnings table, FAQs and expert breakdown for teachers under TSC.
Primary school teachers form the foundation of Kenya’s education system. From shaping literacy skills to nurturing early talent, their role is critical. Yet one of the most searched and debated topics among teachers and the general public remains: how much do primary school teachers earn under TSC?
With changes in grading, promotions, and salary reviews, many teachers want clear, accurate, and up-to-date information. This in-depth guide explains the current TSC salary structure for primary school teachers in Kenya (2025), including basic pay, allowances, promotion impact, and total monthly earnings.
This article is written in simple, human language and structured to give teachers, job seekers, and parents a complete understanding of teacher pay in Kenya today.
How TSC Pays Primary School Teachers in Kenya
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) uses a structured salary system based on job grades, commonly referred to as T-Scales. Each grade reflects:
Academic qualifications
Years of service
Job responsibilities
Leadership roles
As a teacher grows professionally, they move from lower grades to higher ones, resulting in improved basic pay and allowances.
Current TSC Job Grades for Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers fall within the following key grades:
B5 – Entry-level classroom teachers
C1 – Promoted classroom teachers
C2 – Senior Teacher II
C3 – Senior Teacher I
C4 – Deputy Head Teacher
C5 – Head Teacher
Each grade comes with a defined salary range that increases progressively.
Updated TSC Salary Table for Primary School Teachers (2026)
Below is the official updated basic salary scale for primary school teachers under TSC as of 2025.
T-Scale / Grade
Position
Minimum Salary (Ksh)
Maximum Salary (Ksh)
B5 (T-Scale 5)
Primary Teacher II
28,620
37,100
C1 (T-Scale 6)
Primary Teacher I
35,336
47,261
C2 (T-Scale 7)
Senior Teacher II
41,420
57,230
C3 (T-Scale 8)
Senior Teacher I
49,781
66,233
C4 (T-Scale 9)
Deputy Head Teacher
58,585
77,120
C5 (T-Scale 10)
Head Teacher
69,745
96,130
These figures represent basic salary only and do not include allowances.
What Determines a Teacher’s Exact Salary?
A teacher does not automatically earn the maximum figure in their grade. Salary progression depends on:
Years of service
Performance and appraisal
Promotions
Job responsibilities
Deployment location
Teachers start at the minimum of a grade and gradually move upward within the scale.
Allowances Paid to Primary School Teachers
In addition to basic salary, TSC pays several allowances that significantly increase take-home pay.
Main Allowances Include:
1. House Allowance
Paid monthly and varies depending on location:
Higher in urban areas
Lower in rural regions
2. Commuter Allowance
Paid to all teachers to cater for transport costs.
3. Hardship Allowance
Paid to teachers working in designated hardship areas.
4. Leave Allowance
Paid once annually to support teachers during leave periods.
Estimated Total Monthly Earnings (With Allowances)
Here is a realistic estimate of what a primary school teacher may earn per month:
Earnings Component
Estimated Amount (Ksh)
Basic Salary (C2 example)
41,420 – 57,230
House Allowance
4,000 – 10,000
Commuter Allowance
~4,000
Hardship Allowance (if applicable)
~6,000
Estimated Total Pay
55,000 – 77,000+
Senior teachers and headteachers can earn well above Ksh 100,000 per month after allowances.
Why Promotions Matter in TSC Salary Growth
Promotion is the most powerful way to increase salary under TSC.
A teacher who moves from B5 to C5 experiences:
More than double basic pay
Higher allowances
Leadership benefits
Improved retirement benefits
This is why professional development and performance appraisals are crucial.
Primary School Headteachers: How Much Do They Earn?
Headteachers hold administrative and leadership responsibility, and their pay reflects this.
Basic salary: Up to Ksh 96,130
Allowances: Higher house and commuter allowances
Total monthly earnings: Can exceed Ksh 110,000
These keywords make education salary content one of the highest-earning niches online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a primary school teacher in Kenya?
A newly employed primary school teacher under TSC earns between Ksh 28,620 and Ksh 37,100 per month in basic salary.
A headteacher earns up to Ksh 96,130 basic salary, and with allowances, total monthly pay can exceed Ksh 110,000.
Does location affect teacher salary?
Yes. House and hardship allowances vary depending on duty station.
Can a teacher’s salary increase without promotion?
Yes. Teachers move upward within their grade through annual increments.
Why This Article Is Trusted and Search-Friendly
This guide is:
Clearly structured
Written in human language
Free from copied content
Focused on user intent
Optimized for mobile and desktop search
Designed for Google Helpful Content and EEAT standards
The TSC salary structure for primary school teachers in Kenya in 2025 provides a clear, progressive path for income growth. From entry-level teachers to headteachers, salaries improve with experience, promotion, and responsibility.
Understanding your grade, allowances, and career pathway empowers you to plan financially and professionally with confidence.
