Thousands of teachers across Kenya had hoped to receive the Phase II salary increment under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in their July 2026 payslips. However, despite the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) closing the July payroll on July 15, 2026, the anticipated salary adjustments were not included.
Although the delay has disappointed many teachers, government officials have indicated that the implementation has been deferred rather than cancelled, with the revised salaries expected to be processed in the August 2026 payroll, alongside any applicable July arrears.
The postponement forms part of a wider government plan to harmonise salary reviews across the public service.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku recently stated that salary adjustments for civil servants, including teachers, are expected to take effect from August 1, 2026, following the completion of the necessary administrative and payroll processes.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the review is intended to cushion public servants against the rising cost of living and will cover both basic salaries and key allowances, including house and commuter allowances.
Another key factor in the implementation process is the government’s ongoing rollout of the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS) across public institutions.
The system is expected to strengthen payroll management by:
– Verifying the details of active public servants.
– Eliminating ghost workers from government payrolls.
– Improving payroll accuracy and accountability.
– Supporting efficient implementation of salary reviews across government institutions.
The reforms are intended to ensure that salary adjustments are processed accurately and in line with government payroll standards.
The implementation of the second phase of the CBA is backed by the SRC (Remuneration and Benefits of State and Other Public Officers) Regulations, 2026, which provide the legal framework for managing remuneration within the public sector.
The regulations seek to promote transparency, fairness and fiscal sustainability while ensuring that public servants receive equitable compensation.
The 2026/2027 National Budget allocated Ksh8.4 billion to facilitate the second phase of the teachers’ salary review.
The allocation forms part of the Ksh33 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated between the Teachers Service Commission and the three teachers’ unions:
– Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT)
– Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)
– Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET)
The agreement provides for phased salary improvements aimed at enhancing teachers’ welfare while recognising their contribution to Kenya’s education sector.
The current phase of the CBA is expected to deliver salary improvements across various teaching grades, with negotiated increases ranging between 5 per cent and 29.5 per cent, depending on a teacher’s job group and salary scale.
Once implemented, the second phase will mark another milestone in the four-year agreement signed between TSC and the teachers’ unions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to progressively improving teachers’ remuneration.
For now, teachers are advised to await official communication from the Teachers Service Commission, the Ministry of Education, and their respective unions regarding the implementation timeline and any applicable salary arrears.
