Thousands of teachers across Kenya had expected to see higher salaries in their July 2026 payslips following the implementation schedule of the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
However, as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) closed the July payroll on July 15, 2026, it has become clear that the anticipated salary adjustments will not be reflected in this month’s salaries.
Although the delay has disappointed many teachers, available government communication indicates that the implementation has been deferred rather than cancelled, with the revised salaries expected to take effect in the August 2026 payroll, together with any applicable arrears.
The postponement is largely linked to the government’s budget implementation and payroll processing timelines.
According to government officials, revenue collection and broader public expenditure planning have influenced the scheduling of various salary reviews across the public service.
Implementing multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements simultaneously requires significant financial resources, prompting the government to adjust the rollout schedule while maintaining its commitment to honour negotiated agreements.
Government Says Salary Review Will Be Implemented in August
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku recently stated that salary adjustments for public servants, including teachers, are expected to take effect from August 1, 2026.
Speaking during a public engagement in Londiani, Kericho County, the CS said the government is finalising administrative processes to ensure the implementation is smooth across all ministries, departments and agencies.
He further noted that the salary review covers basic pay as well as key allowances in line with government policy.
Migration to GHRIS Also Influencing Payroll Processing
The government is also implementing reforms aimed at improving payroll management across the public service.
All government institutions have been directed to migrate fully to the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS).
The move is intended to:
– Eliminate ghost workers through a centralised payroll system.
– Improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.
– Ensure compliance with the latest Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines.
– Strengthen accountability in the management of public funds.
These reforms are expected to support the smooth implementation of the revised salary structure.
Budget Allocated for Teachers’ Salary Review
The 2026/2027 National Budget allocated Ksh8.4 billion to facilitate the second phase of the teachers’ salary review.
The funding forms part of the wider Ksh33 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement signed 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 seeks to progressively improve teachers’ earnings over four phases while cushioning them against the rising cost of living.
How the Four-Phase CBA Will Be Implemented
The current CBA provides for salary adjustments to be implemented over four years:
– Phase One: Successfully implemented.
– Phase Two: Expected in August 2026 with applicable arrears.
– Phase Three: Scheduled for July 2027.
– Phase Four: Expected in July 2028.
The phased approach allows the government to spread the financial burden while ensuring teachers continue receiving gradual salary improvements.
Expected Salary Structure
Once implemented, the revised salary structure is expected to benefit teachers across various job grades.
TSC Grade| Position| Teachers Employed After July 2025| Teachers Employed Before June 2025
- B5| Primary Teacher II| Ksh26,225| Ksh27,449
- C1| Primary Teacher I / Secondary Teacher III| Ksh32,562| Ksh34,085
- C2| Secondary Teacher II| Ksh40,954| Ksh42,929
- C3| Secondary Teacher I| Ksh49,239| Ksh51,917
- C4| Senior Master IV / Deputy Headteacher II| Ksh59,482| Ksh62,156
- C5| Headteacher I / Senior Master III| Ksh71,100| Ksh72,828
Actual earnings will vary depending on a teacher’s salary notch, years of service and applicable allowances.
The salary review is expected to improve teachers’ financial wellbeing at a time when many households continue to face rising living costs.
Besides increasing basic salaries, the review is expected to strengthen teachers’ purchasing power and improve morale within the education sector.
Teacher unions have consistently argued that competitive remuneration is essential for attracting and retaining qualified educators while supporting the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
What Teachers Should Expect
Teachers should not expect the second phase of the 2025–2029 CBA to appear in their July 2026 payslips.
If the government’s implementation schedule remains unchanged, the revised salaries are expected to be reflected in the August 2026 payroll, with any eligible arrears processed alongside the new salary rates.
Teachers are advised to continue monitoring official communication from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Education, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and their respective unions for confirmed implementation updates.
Conclusion
Although the July payroll has not brought the expected salary increment, the government’s commitment to implementing the second phase of the 2025–2029 CBA remains in place.
For thousands of teachers, the August payroll is now expected to be the key milestone as they await improved salaries and the next phase of the negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Until then, teachers should rely on official government and TSC communication regarding the implementation timeline and payment of any applicable arrears.
