The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will begin crediting February salaries, including the TSC stipend for junior school interns, to teachers’ accounts this week. The payment will include arrears for days worked in January and applies to the 24,000 junior school interns who were hired and posted in early January.
Key Takeaways
- 24,000 junior school interns will receive their February stipend plus January arrears.
- Monthly gross stipend is sh 20,000; net pay is about sh 18,000 after statutory deductions.
- STEM and language interns will receive CBE retooling and induction training organized by TSC and CEMASTEA.
- NSSF contribution rates are rising and will increase deductions from February, affecting take-home pay.
Payment schedule and who is eligible
The Commission closed payroll (TPay) and will start crediting accounts on Thursday as schools break for half term. Eligible recipients include the 24,000 junior school interns appointed from 1 January. Payments cover the monthly stipend and arrears for any unpaid days worked in January.
What the TSC stipend for junior school interns covers
Interns are paid a monthly stipend of sh 20,000. After deductions for statutory items — including PAYE-like charges, housing levy and NSSF — the typical net payment is around sh 18,000. The stipend is intended to cover living costs during the one-year internship.
Statutory deductions and the upcoming NSSF change
Currently, employees contribute sh 360 per month to NSSF, based on a legal base of sh 6,000 at 6%. Employers remit an equal amount, making a combined contribution of sh 720 per month. The NSSF is set to raise the base (for example to sh 9,000), which will increase employee and employer contributions to about sh 540 each. This change will reduce take-home pay for interns and other public servants once the final phase of the pension contribution reform takes effect.
Induction, training and Competency Based Education (CBE)
All junior school interns received induction sessions organized by TSC that covered legal policies, the code of regulations and the code of conduct for teachers. After induction, STEM and language interns will be retooled by CEMASTEA on Competency Based Education (CBE) and Competency Based Assessment (CBA). These trainings aim to align classroom practice with the CBC curriculum.
Interns and teachers seeking teaching resources and curriculum guides can use the CBE curriculum designs and access lesson plans at CBC lesson plans to support classroom delivery.
Contract length and path to permanent and pensionable (PNP) status
Interns were hired on one-year contracts running from 1 January to 31 December. Government policy now requires interns to serve at least two years before confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms. That means current interns are likely to be considered for PNP conversion after completing two years in service, subject to government timelines and available vacancies.
Previously hired interns from January 2025 had their contracts extended by one year; similar arrangements and assurances from government leaders indicate that confirmation may follow upon completion of the required service period.
Benefits and advantages of accepting an internship
- Priority in recruitment: Interns who accept placements are prioritized when replacement vacancies arise.
- Interview advantage: Intern teachers are awarded extra marks (for example, 50 marks) in replacement interviews, improving chances of competitive hiring.
- On-the-job training: Inductions and CBE retooling build classroom competency and assessment skills.
What interns should expect in their February payslip
Interns should check their February payslips for: actual stipend paid, arrears for January if any, statutory deductions (including the new NSSF rate if implemented), and any other remittances. Schools and TSC payroll officers can clarify any discrepancies.
Practical tips for interns and school managers
- Keep a copy of your appointment and payroll letters and confirm bank details with your payroll office.
- Save or budget for the increased NSSF deduction once the new base takes effect.
- Use available CBC resources, including free CBC exams, to prepare formative assessments and support learners.
- Attend CEMASTEA retooling sessions and follow TSC guidelines on professional conduct.
