- KUPPET accuses the Teachers Service Commission of failing to secure fair pay and terms for teachers.
- The union says SRC’s revised salary structure discriminates against teachers, widening the gap with other civil servants.
- Leaders warn teachers may seek placement under the Public Service Commission if pay grievances persist.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of failing to secure favourable pay and employment terms for teachers, saying the commission has not effectively represented their interests before the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and other government agencies.
The concerns come as KUPPET argues over a widened pay gap between teachers and other public sector employees.
Following the revised salary scales and allowances for national government civil servants by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) set to take effect on 1 August 2026, KUPPET argued that the current salary structure discriminates against teachers, particularly those in senior grades
Speaking on behalf of the Union, KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori noted the importance of revising the new CBA with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) immediately instead of commissioning another CBA that discriminates against teachers compared to other public servants on whatever they had given out
“Our new CBA must be revised immediately, and we will not tire of entering into a new CBA with TSC once the SRC also sees sense that whatever they have given other public servants is not commensurate because the teachers are saying that there is discrimination.” Said Misori
The union warned that unless teachers are accorded better remuneration, it would push for them to be placed under the Public Service Commission instead of the TSC.
“If the TSC cannot offer good terms of service and negotiate for teachers when they go to meet the SRC and other government agencies, then we don’t need them. We would rather have teachers getting paid under the Public Service Commission,” said Kuppet National Chairperson Omboko Milemba.
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KUPPET rejects SRC salary increments, cites widening pay disparities
KUPPET’s criticism follows the release of the SRC’s revised salary structure, which the union says places teachers at a disadvantage compared to other public servants. The pay review provides the highest-paid civil servants in Grade E4 with basic monthly salaries ranging between Sh312,000 and Sh576,000, while those in Grade E3 can earn up to Sh400,000, excluding house allowances. Teachers, however, peak at Grade D5, where the maximum basic salary is Sh133,354.
Although teachers joining the profession earn slightly more than entry-level civil servants, the union argues that salary progression overwhelmingly favours other public officers, widening the gap as employees advance in their careers.
Milemba said the disparity had reached unacceptable levels, insisting teachers would not continue accepting salaries that rank below those of other public servants.
“A sweeper in public service is earning Sh25,000 while a trained teacher is earning Sh26,000 at the lowest level. We are not going to allow that,” he said.
The renewed push by Kuppet comes a day after the Union of Kenya Civil Servants also rejected the SRC-approved salary structure, adding to growing opposition against the proposed pay review.
By Jonathan Mwinzi
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