Teachers push TSC to review allowances as rising cost of living erodes salaries

Teachers are pressing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to review their house, commuter and hardship allowances, arguing that the rising cost of living is eroding the purchasing power of their salaries.

The educators want the commission to reassess the three benefits so that they reflect current economic conditions and the differing costs of living across the country. The renewed demand follows dissatisfaction over whether existing salary adjustments can keep pace with rising household expenses.

Calls for a comprehensive review of the allowances gained attention in August 2026, with teachers seeking benefits that better reflect the cost of housing, transport and other basic needs.

House and commuter allowances

House allowance is a major concern, particularly for teachers in urban centres, where rents continue to strain monthly incomes. Teachers argue that the allowance should be assessed against actual housing costs in their workstations, so that they are not left to cover rent from their basic salaries. The amount payable depends on a teacher's job grade and the workstation category under the commission's remuneration arrangements.

Transport costs also feature in the demands. Teachers who commute long distances to school face recurring expenses that can significantly reduce their take-home pay, and those posted to areas with limited public transport may face extra costs. They want the commission to consider whether the existing commuter allowance adequately covers these expenses.

Hardship allowance

Hardship allowance is another contentious issue, especially among teachers serving in designated hardship areas, where access to essential services, transport and suitable housing may be limited. In September 2026, President William Ruto pledged to follow up on teachers' demands on hardship allowance in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County.

Teachers want clarity on how hardship areas are designated and how eligibility is determined, and they want outstanding concerns addressed through clear communication and timely decisions. The allowance is subject to eligibility and workstation rules, and working in a remote area does not automatically guarantee entitlement.

Annual leave allowance and other benefits

Teachers also receive other allowances under the commission’s remuneration arrangements, including annual leave allowance. The amounts and conditions vary according to the relevant rules and eligibility requirements, so teachers are encouraged to distinguish between existing entitlements and proposals for new or revised payments.

The teachers say the review is not about adding more allowances, but about ensuring that existing benefits remain meaningful as economic conditions change. They are now looking for concrete action from the TSC on their demands.