After a prolonged anticipation, Kenyan teachers are poised to receive an enhanced pay package starting at the end of August 2024.
This move comes after previous delays due to financial constraints, with the government finally earmarking funds to accommodate the wage increase.
The adjustments will see teachers across various grades benefit from a pay rise between Sh1,000 and Sh3,000.
According to the information released, the increment will take effect from July, with arrears being paid alongside August salaries.
The basic salary for the least paid teacher, at Grade B5, will now be Sh23,830, marking an increase from the previous Sh22,793.
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At the higher end of the spectrum, a chief principal at Grade D5 will see their pay rise to Sh162,539 from Sh159,534.
This adjustment translates to a salary review between Sh1,037 for the least paid and Sh3,005 at the highest level.
Beyond the basic salary, Kenyan teachers are entitled to various allowances which significantly augment their total earnings.
These include monthly commuter allowances ranging from Sh4,000 at entry-level to Sh16,000 for senior positions.
Teachers also receive annual leave allowances between Sh4,000 and Sh10,000 depending on the job group, payable once a year.
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Furthermore, those stationed in hardship areas benefit from additional allowances ranging from Sh6,600 to Sh38,100, depending on their job group and location.
Housing allowances are tiered according to the area of residence. Teachers in Nairobi, classified under cluster one, receive between Sh6,750 and Sh50,000.
Those in other major cities like Mombasa and Nakuru are eligible for housing allowances between Sh4,500 and Sh35,000, while teachers in areas categorised as former municipalities get between Sh3,850 and Sh25,000.
The announcement follows a contentious period marked by divisions within the teacher unions, KNUT and KUPPET, over whether to strike due to the delayed pay review.
The government, however, has reassured the educational sector by confirming that some Sh13 billion has been found to finance the increment.
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The Ministry of Education has committed to ensuring that the funds are available for the salary adjustments in August, including the arrears from July.