The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has closed the July 2026 payroll and confirmed that most educators will receive their July pay on July 20, 2026. However, the second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) salary increases will be implemented in the August payroll, with full arrears for July paid then. This article explains what teachers should expect, why the delay occurred, and how the August rollout will work.
Key Takeaways
- Most teachers will receive their July pay on July 20, 2026.
- Salary increments under Phase II of the CBA have been deferred to August 2026; arrears for July will be included in August pay.
- The delay is due to fiscal caution and migration to the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS), which improves data integrity and reduces payroll errors.
- Budgetary allocations and SRC regulations back the planned increases; housing and commuter allowances are expected to rise significantly for lower-paid cadres.
TSC July salaries: What to expect
When the TSC July payroll credits begin on July 20, teachers should expect their usual payslips showing current basic pay and allowances. The July payroll reflects the status quo from the previous financial year because the Phase II CBA adjustments have been scheduled for August.
Important: The government has promised that the August payroll will include the full arrears for July so teachers are not financially disadvantaged by the administrative rescheduling.
Why the salary increments were pushed to August
There are two main reasons for the postponement:
- Macroeconomic caution: Revenue collection has been below initial projections. The Treasury is phasing CBA implementations across ministries to protect national liquidity and ensure fiscal discipline.
- Administrative migration to GHRIS: The Public Service is moving staff records to a centralized Government Human Resource Information System. Finalizing this migration ensures accurate pay calculations and helps eliminate errors such as payments to inactive records (ghost workers).
How the August implementation will work
The August payroll cycle will include the Phase II CBA salary increases plus arrears for July. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has gazetted updated regulations for 2026 that provide the legal framework for these changes. The national budget for 2026/2027 includes a dedicated allocation for the teachers’ share of the salary review.
Officials say the process will be comprehensive and audited through GHRIS to reduce mismatches in basic pay, housing, and commuter allowances.
Projected changes to pay and allowances
The Phase II adjustments are tiered by job group and notch. Allowances are a particular focus to provide quick relief to low-earning workers.
- Housing allowance: Some categories may see an increase from Ksh 3,400 to about Ksh 6,000.
- Basic salary ranges (projected):
- B5 (Primary Teacher II): Ksh 26,225 → Ksh 27,449
- C1 (Primary Teacher I / Sec. Teacher III): Ksh 32,562 → Ksh 34,085
- C2 (Secondary Teacher II): Ksh 40,954 → Ksh 42,929
- C3 (Secondary Teacher I): Ksh 49,239 → Ksh 51,917
- C4 (Senior Master IV / Deputy Head II): Ksh 59,482 → Ksh 62,156
- C5 (Headteacher I / Senior Master III): Ksh 71,100 → Ksh 72,828
Note: These figures represent projected base salary shifts. Individual take-home pay will vary with tax, pension, and union deductions.
What teachers should do now
- Check bank and SACCO accounts on and after July 20 for the July credit.
- Keep personal records up to date in TSC systems and inform payroll officers of any discrepancies to ease the August adjustment.
- Preserve payslips and document any differences after the August payment so you can claim arrears if needed.
Resources for teachers and educators
While awaiting the August adjustments, teachers can continue to access professional resources and planning materials. For those working with the Competency-Based Curriculum, useful materials and exam practice resources include CBC exam resources, free KCPE exam papers, and CBC curriculum designs. These resources can help teachers focus on classroom delivery even as payroll changes are processed.
Long-term outlook
The CBA is structured across four phases through 2028. Phase II (August 2026) marks the next major step. If fully implemented as planned, the phased increases and allowance adjustments should improve teacher welfare and support professional stability. Continued cooperation between TSC, unions, and the Treasury will be key to smooth rollouts.
The July payroll closure and the planned August adjustments aim to balance fiscal responsibility with the government’s commitment to teachers. Expect the July 20 disbursement to show current pay, and look to the August payroll for the Phase II increases plus arrears for July.
