The journey of teachers’ salary reforms under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been long, emotional, and deeply tied to the fight for dignity in the teaching profession. When the first major CBA was signed between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions, it marked a historic moment that promised better pay, improved career growth, and recognition of teachers’ sacrifices nationwide.
Since then, every phase of the agreement has carries the hopes of thousands of educators working tirelessly in classrooms from urban centres to remote villages.
Today, attention has shifted to Phase Two of the 2025–2029 CBA. TSC has already secured Ksh 8.4 billion to begin implementation from 1 July 2026. This follows last year’s directive by the President at State House, where the government pledged support for the full implementation of the agreement valued at Ksh 16.8 billion.
Talks with the National Treasury are ongoing as teachers anxiously await confirmation of the remaining funds. Many educators see this phase as more than just a salary adjustment — they view it as recognition of years of patience, resilience, and dedication.
Another major development is the end of the Career Progression Guidelines in June 2026. For years, many teachers complained that the system slowed promotions and delayed career growth.
The newly approved 6-level structure is now being welcomed as a fresh beginning because it reduces the time needed to reach the highest grade from 36 years to about 15–18 years. To support the transition, TSC has allocated Ksh 2 billion to promote 30,000 teachers, offering hope to many who have stagnated in the same job groups for years.
Intern teachers have also remained at the centre of education debates. Thousands joined schools with dreams of securing permanent employment, but uncertainty has continued to weigh heavily on them. Out of the 44,000 intern teachers currently serving, 20,000 are expected to move to Permanent and Pensionable terms by the end of this year. For many young teachers, this transition means stability, financial security, and a chance to build a future with confidence.
Meanwhile, discussions around Junior Secondary School (JSS) management continue to raise questions within the education sector. TSC now appears to be moving closer to the Ministry of Education’s comprehensive school model, despite earlier support for JSS autonomy.
READ ALSO: Anxiety grips teachers as TSC launches nationwide spot checks
Summary of key TSC reforms and policy updates affecting teachers in 2026
| Issue | Key Details | Funding/Numbers | Timeline | Impact on Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBA phase two implementation | TSC has secured part of the funding needed to implement phase two of the 2025–2029 CBA. Talks with the National Treasury are ongoing to secure the remaining amount. | Ksh 8.4 billion secured out of Ksh 16.8 billion total cost | From July 1, 2026 | Expected salary improvements and enhanced benefits for teachers |
| New promotion framework | The Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) will be replaced by a new 6-level structure aimed at shortening promotion timelines. | Ksh 2 billion allocated for promotions of 30,000 teachers | Effective June 2026 | Teachers will reach top grades faster, reducing stagnation |
| Intern teacher conversion | TSC plans to absorb part of the current intern teachers into permanent and pensionable terms. | 20,000 out of 44,000 intern teachers to be confirmed | By end of 2026 | Improved job security and financial stability for intern teachers |
| JSS management changes | TSC appears to support the Ministry of Education’s comprehensive school model despite earlier support for JSS autonomy. Unions have been asked to prepare a concept paper on cost implications. | Cost implications still under discussion | Ongoing discussions in 2026 | Raises concerns among teachers over policy direction and JSS administration |
Teachers and union leaders are seeking clarity after TSC reportedly asked unions to prepare a concept paper outlining the cost implications of the new arrangement for submission to the Cabinet Secretary. The shift has sparked debate among educators who fear that frequent policy changes could affect the smooth implementation of CBC reforms in schools.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
