Primary school teaching remains one of the most important professions in Kenya. In 2026, salaries for primary school teachers are governed largely by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The agreement introduced salary increments across various job grades, improving earnings for thousands of teachers in public primary schools.
Overview of Primary School Teacher Salary Structure
The TSC salary structure is based on job grades, qualifications, experience, and administrative responsibilities. Teachers progress through different grades during their careers, resulting in higher salaries and allowances.
Primary School Teacher Salary Scale in Kenya, 2026
| Grade | Position | Monthly Basic Salary (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| B5 | Primary Teacher II | 28,620 – 37,100 |
| C1 | Primary Teacher I | 35,336 – 47,261 |
| C2 | Senior Teacher II | 41,420 – 57,230 |
| C3 | Senior Teacher I | 49,781 – 66,233 |
| C4 | Deputy Headteacher II | 58,585 – 77,120 |
| C5 | Headteacher | 69,745 – 96,132 |
| D1 | Senior Headteacher | 80,984 – 99,272 |
These salary bands represent basic pay before allowances and statutory deductions are applied.
Salary of Entry-Level Primary School Teachers
Most newly employed teachers enter the profession as Primary Teacher II under Grade B5. These teachers are typically holders of Primary Teacher Education certificates or diplomas.
Grade B5 Salary
- Minimum salary: KES 28,620
- Maximum salary: KES 37,100
- Annual progression based on experience and performance
The 2025–2029 CBA significantly improved earnings for teachers in this category, with increases exceeding KES 4,700 for many employees.
Grade C1 Salary
Teachers promoted to Primary Teacher I earn:
- Minimum salary: KES 35,336
- Maximum salary: KES 47,261
This grade includes teachers with additional experience and responsibilities within the school environment.
Senior Teacher Salaries
As teachers gain experience and qualifications, they become eligible for promotion into senior teaching grades.
Senior Teacher II (Grade C2)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | KES 41,420 |
| Maximum Salary | KES 57,230 |
Senior Teacher I (Grade C3)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | KES 49,781 |
| Maximum Salary | KES 66,233 |
Senior teachers often supervise curriculum implementation, mentor junior teachers, and participate in school leadership activities.
“Teacher salaries increase progressively with promotion, responsibility, and years of service.”
Deputy Headteacher Salaries
Deputy headteachers perform administrative and instructional leadership duties within schools.
Grade C4
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | KES 58,585 |
| Maximum Salary | KES 77,120 |
Deputy headteachers assist in school management, supervision of staff, and implementation of government education policies.
Headteacher Salaries
Headteachers oversee the overall management and performance of primary schools.
Grade C5
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | KES 69,745 |
| Maximum Salary | KES 96,132 |
Their duties include:
- School administration
- Budget management
- Staff supervision
- Academic performance monitoring
- Community engagement
Headteachers earn additional responsibility allowances in addition to their basic salary.
Senior Headteacher Salaries
Senior headteachers manage larger institutions and carry more extensive administrative responsibilities.
Grade D1
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | KES 80,984 |
| Maximum Salary | KES 99,272 |
These positions are typically found in large public schools with significant student populations and staff numbers.
Allowances Paid to Primary School Teachers
In addition to basic salary, teachers receive several allowances depending on their grade and duty station.
House Allowance
House allowance varies according to location and grade.
Examples include:
| Grade | House Allowance Range |
|---|---|
| B5 | KES 7,500 – 16,500 |
| C1 | KES 7,500 – 16,500 |
| C2–C3 | KES 10,000 – 28,000 |
| C4–C5 | KES 16,500 – 35,000 |
Teachers stationed in major urban centers generally receive higher house allowances than those in rural areas.
Commuter Allowance
Commuter allowances help teachers cover transportation expenses.
| Grade | Monthly Commuter Allowance |
|---|---|
| B5 | KES 4,000 |
| C1 | KES 4,000 |
| C2 | KES 5,000 |
| C3 | KES 6,000 |
| C4–C5 | KES 8,000 |
Hardship Allowance
Teachers working in designated hardship areas receive additional compensation.
The allowance varies depending on grade and location and is intended to attract and retain teachers in remote regions.
Factors Affecting Teacher Salaries
Several factors determine how much a primary school teacher earns.
1. Job Grade
Higher grades attract higher salaries and allowances.
2. Years of Service
Teachers move through salary scales as they gain experience.
3. Promotions
Promotion from B5 to higher grades significantly increases earnings.
4. Administrative Duties
Headteachers and deputy headteachers receive additional benefits due to increased responsibilities.
5. Work Location
Allowances differ depending on whether a teacher is stationed in urban, rural, or hardship areas.
Career Progression for Primary School Teachers
A typical career path may follow this progression:
- Primary Teacher II (B5)
- Primary Teacher I (C1)
- Senior Teacher II (C2)
- Senior Teacher I (C3)
- Deputy Headteacher II (C4)
- Headteacher (C5)
- Senior Headteacher (D1)
Teachers who pursue additional qualifications and demonstrate strong performance generally progress faster through these ranks.
Challenges Affecting Teacher Earnings
Despite salary improvements, teachers continue to face several challenges:
- Rising cost of living
- Housing expenses
- Increased workload under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)
- Delays in promotions for some teachers
- Competition for administrative positions
These factors influence the overall financial well-being of teachers despite the salary increments introduced under the latest CBA.
Future Outlook for Teacher Salaries
The current CBA covers the period between 2025 and 2029, meaning additional salary increments are expected in subsequent implementation phases. Teachers are therefore likely to experience further improvements in compensation as the agreement continues to be rolled out.
For 2026, primary school teachers earn basic salaries ranging from approximately KES 28,620 for entry-level teachers to over KES 99,000 for senior headteachers, with allowances substantially increasing total earnings. The revised salary structure reflects ongoing efforts to improve teacher welfare, attract qualified professionals into the education sector, and enhance the quality of education across Kenya.
