The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has activated the March payroll, allowing teachers to receive their pay ahead of the Idd Ul Fitr public holiday. This early payment of TSC March salaries benefits both long-term staff and recently recruited interns and replacement teachers.
Key Takeaways
- TSC March salaries were closed on 17 March and began posting on 18 March to banks and SACCOS.
- About 24,000 junior school intern teachers and 9,159 replacement teachers are awaiting pay, including arrears for days worked in January.
- Interns receive a stipend while replacement teachers are on permanent and pensionable terms with full benefits after probation.
- Teachers are eligible for a range of allowances, medical cover under SHA, and automatic promotions after set service periods.
Who is affected by the payroll activation?
The payroll activation covers active teachers due March pay. It is particularly important for junior school intern teachers and the cohort of replacement teachers recruited in January. Many of these teachers missed February pay and will now receive arrears for days already worked.
Timing and payment channels
The Commission closed payroll on 17 March. Payments started posting on 18 March and are credited to teachers’ bank accounts and SACCOS. This early release was timed to allow Muslim teachers to receive pay ahead of Idd Ul Fitr celebrations on 19 March.
Pay and deduction overview for intern teachers
Junior school intern teachers are paid a monthly stipend of Ksh 20,000. After statutory deductions such as SHIF, the housing levy, and NSSF, the net pay is typically around Ksh 18,000. The activated payroll will include arrears for days worked in January where applicable.
Replacement teachers: terms and benefits
Replacement teachers were recruited on permanent and pensionable terms. These posts filled gaps left by natural attrition in 2025. Replacement posts included primary, junior and secondary school slots. Although many replacement teachers were not paid in February, they are likely to begin receiving full pay this month even while on probation.
Allowances, grades and promotion paths
Replacement teachers receive full salary and allowances. Examples of common starting salaries and allowances include:
- Primary (P1 / Grade B5): Basic pay from Ksh 25,028 up to Ksh 31,615. Commuter allowance Ksh 4,000 and annual leave allowance Ksh 4,000 (paid once in January).
- Secondary graduate teachers (Job Group C2): Basic pay from Ksh 39,070 up to Ksh 49,100. Commuter allowance Ksh 5,000 and annual leave allowance Ksh 6,000.
- Hardship allowance: Varies by grade (e.g., Ksh 6,600 for some primary teachers, Ksh 10,900 for some graduates).
- House allowance: Bands depend on municipality. Nairobi attracts the highest rates.
Teachers also receive medical cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA) through a monthly medical allowance.
Probation, promotions and effective dates
New hires typically serve a six-month probation period before conversion to permanent and pensionable terms. Promotion timelines are automatic after set service periods: diploma holders move to higher job groups after three years, and graduate teachers move up one grade after the same period. Employment letters state the effective start date as the date the teacher reports for duty.
Leave entitlements
Teachers enjoy standard leave types available through the TSC system. Most leave applications are managed online, except in special circumstances.
- Sick Leave
- Annual Leave
- Compassionate Leave
- Paternity Leave
- Maternity Leave
- Study Leave
- Special Leave
- Adoption Leave
- Spouse of Diplomat Leave
Resources for teachers and classroom support
While payroll and employment issues are handled by TSC, teachers can find classroom resources, schemes and exams to support teaching and assessments. For CBC curriculum documents and lesson plans, access the CBC curriculum designs and the collection of CBC lesson plans. Teachers preparing learners for end-of-year assessments can also use free past papers and exam packs such as the KCPE exam resources.
What teachers should do next
If you are an intern or replacement teacher, confirm your bank or SACCO details with your school payroll officer. Keep your appointment letter and pay slips for verification. If you do not receive pay within expected timelines, report the issue to your school administration and TSC payroll helpdesk.
Summary of the payroll activation
The TSC March salaries activation is a relief for many teachers, especially those who missed earlier payments. Interns will receive their full stipend with arrears, while replacement teachers will begin to access full pay and allowances as their employment status is processed. Keep records of payments and use available curriculum resources to support classroom work and exam preparation.
