A sweeping reform to improve the welfare and compensation of teachers is gaining momentum in Parliament, as lawmakers rally behind the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024.
The proposed legislation seeks to address long-standing grievances among educators by introducing structured, policy-driven allowances and correcting inconsistencies in the current Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act.
At the heart of the bill are provisions aimed at standardizing teacher compensation through a predictable framework that includes hardship, special duty, and risk allowances. These new allowances are designed to reflect the diverse and often challenging conditions under which teachers operate across the country, from remote arid regions to insecure areas affected by banditry and other risks.
Lawmakers sponsoring the bill argue that the current TSC framework has failed to adequately recognize the sacrifices and unique challenges faced by teachers in various postings.
“We are pushing for a fair, policy-based approach to teacher compensation,” said one MP supporting the bill. “This amendment will ensure transparency and consistency in how teachers are rewarded for their work, especially in tough environments.”
The proposed hardship allowance, for instance, will target teachers working in marginalized and infrastructure-poor areas where access to basic amenities remains a daily struggle. The special duty allowance will recognize teachers taking on administrative or supervisory roles beyond their teaching duties, while the risk allowance is set to benefit educators in volatile and high-risk regions, acknowledging the dangers they face.
As debate on the bill unfolds, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has voiced strong support for the reforms but is also calling for even bolder action. The union has formally submitted its push for a 60% salary increase for its members, framing it as a long-overdue adjustment in light of inflation and rising living costs.
“We appreciate the direction the amendment bill is taking,” said a KNUT spokesperson. “But beyond allowances, the base salary of teachers must reflect their crucial role in national development. A 60% salary increment is not just a demand; it is a necessity for restoring dignity to the teaching profession.”
Public participation on the bill and KNUT’s proposal is now open, with stakeholders urged to submit their views before the deadline of 9 May 2025. Education advocates, teacher unions, and civil society organizations are expected to weigh in heavily on the matter, as the outcome could shape the future of teacher welfare in Kenya for years to come.
Observers note that this push for reform comes at a time when Kenya’s education system is under pressure to deliver on quality, equity, and access. Many believe that improving teacher motivation through better compensation is a key pillar in achieving these goals.
“For any curriculum reform or learning improvement to succeed, we must first empower the teachers,” said an education policy expert. “This bill, if passed and properly implemented, will be a game changer for the teaching workforce.”
If approved, the TSC (Amendment) Bill 2024 will mandate the Commission to create clear policy guidelines on how and when the allowances are granted, reducing the current ambiguity and administrative discretion that has led to disparities and discontent among teachers.
As Parliament continues deliberations, the spotlight remains on how decisively legislators will act to resolve one of the education sector’s most persistent challenges. For now, hope is growing that structured, transparent, and fair compensation could soon become a reality for thousands of Kenyan teachers.
