The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) closed the July 2026 payroll without applying the Phase II salary increases. The government has confirmed that the teachers salary increments under the Phase II Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will be implemented from August 1, 2026, and will be backdated to July 1 so teachers receive arrears in the August pay run.
Key Takeaways
- Implementation date: Phase II CBA salary adjustments will take effect on 1 August 2026 and be backdated to 1 July 2026.
- Reason for delay: Payroll consolidation and migration to the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS) for verification and fraud prevention.
- Funding: Ksh 8.4 billion ring-fenced in the 2026/2027 budget for teachers’ salary review, within a Ksh 33 billion CBA package.
- Scope: Adjustments cover basic pay and critical allowances (housing and commuter allowances) and will be applied across job groups with higher percentage increases targeted at lower job groups.
Why the July payslips did not include teachers salary increments
TSC completed the July payroll on July 15, 2026, but excluded the Phase II increases as part of a planned, government-led payroll consolidation. The Ministry directed all public institutions to integrate their payrolls with the GHRIS. This centralization aims to verify eligible staff, eliminate ghost workers, and standardize payroll data before broad salary changes are applied.
What the August payment will include
The August payroll will include:
- Phase II CBA salary adjustments for teachers, backdated to 1 July 2026.
- Revised housing and commuter allowances as part of the gross pay review.
- Payments only after SRC clearance and GHRIS verification to ensure fiscal compliance.
Legal and financial framework supporting the increase
The roll-out is grounded in the gazetted SRC (Remunerations and Benefits of State and other Public Officers) Regulations 2026. These rules provide the legal basis for the adjustments and aim to balance fair compensation with fiscal discipline. The government has allocated specific budget lines to finance the changes, including Ksh 8.4 billion for teachers in 2026/2027.
How the Phase II CBA affects different job groups
The Phase II increases are graduated to favour lower-paid job groups with larger percentage gains. Below is a clear breakdown of expected changes for key TSC job groups (figures indicate anticipated gross pay after adjustments):
- B5 – Primary Teacher II: Ksh 26,225 (after adjustments)
- C1 – Primary Teacher I / Secondary Teacher III: Ksh 32,562
- C2 – Secondary Teacher II: Ksh 40,954
- C3 – Secondary Teacher I: Ksh 49,239
- C4 – Senior Master IV / Deputy Headteacher II: Ksh 59,482
- C5 – Headteacher I / Senior Master III: Ksh 71,100
These figures reflect the intention to lift lower-earning teachers closer to a sustainable living wage while recognizing seniority and higher responsibilities for administrators.
Broader public service harmonization
The Phase II implementation is part of a wider public service pay reform. The government set aside an extra Ksh 2 billion to harmonize allowance adjustments across the civil service so that changes to one sector do not create unfair disparities. Proposed allowance changes include a housing allowance increase (from Sh3,400 to Sh6,000) and a commuter allowance rise (from Sh3,800 to Sh5,000) for the lowest-earning civil servants.
Impact on teacher welfare and classroom performance
Updated pay and allowances are expected to reduce financial stress for teachers, improving their ability to focus on instruction and school leadership. Practical benefits may include reduced commuting strain, better housing options closer to work, and higher morale—factors linked to improved retention and enhanced engagement in professional duties.
Next steps for teachers
- Expect Phase II adjustments and arrears on your August payslip. Contact payroll or TSC helpdesks if discrepancies appear.
- Ensure your personal and employment records are up to date to facilitate GHRIS verification.
- Follow official TSC and SRC announcements for any further clarifications on allowances and phase timelines.
Additional resources for teachers and educators
For curriculum and exam resources that support classroom planning while payroll changes are finalized, see the following:
- Free CBC exams and practice papers — useful for lesson preparation and student assessment.
- Free KCPE exams — past papers and revision materials for primary classes.
- CBC curriculum designs — guides to align teaching with the Competency-Based Curriculum.
If you are a teacher, keep records of your payslips and follow up promptly with TSC if your August payment does not reflect the Phase II CBA adjustments and backdated arrears.
