The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya announced it will implement a new salary adjustment for teachers starting November 2019.
This change will positively impact thousands of teachers across the country. The increase will range between 15% and 25% based on each individual teacher's position and grading profile.
The adjustment will continue to be discussed during ongoing negotiations between multiple union groups.
The purpose of the adjustment is to improve teacher welfare by addressing long-standing concerns regarding teacher salaries in the educational field. Both primary and secondary school teachers will also receive this increase.
The salary increases will not be reflected until the next payroll date; however, teachers will not see the increase until they receive their December 30th pay and will see the new salary amount on their pay stub for January.
The TSC further confirmed they will continue to work collaboratively with the educational community to retain their current workforce by providing motivation to keep teachers, enhancing teacher retention, and increasing the number of qualified teachers in primary and secondary education systems throughout the country.
Teacher unions have welcomed the news as a significant development.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), as well as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), believes it is an advance to their goal of fair pay and improved working conditions for teachers and believes this increment will be an important step in solidifying the teaching profession.
While some economic analysts indicate that the salary restoration could impact sectors of public spending, many find it likely that this salary adjustment will greatly increase morale amongst teachers, resulting in improved learning outcomes in schools.
Economic analysts and others have also stressed the importance of timely implementation, as delays will only serve to frustrate teachers.
The news has also been well received by parents and all other stakeholders of education, who feel that teachers should receive proper recognition for helping to build their nation's communities.
Finally, TSC has requested that education officials and school administrators be prepared for the pending changes to the payroll and make sure teachers are aware of the new salary structure.
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Education