Teachers to enjoy enhanced allowances in new Proposed TSC Bill
Teachers are poised to benefit from enhanced allowances if a new Proposed TSC Bill is enacted.
This new bill currently under consideration by parliament proposes a more structured and transparent system of allowances for Kenyan educators.
The Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Mandera South MP Abdul Haro, aims to amend the TSC Act of 2012 by providing clearly defined guidelines for teacher allowances.
Section 32A of the proposal primarily seeks to formalize the typically informal process of appointing teachers to acting positions.
Additionally, the Bill includes a new ‘Schedule Four’, which categorizes nine distinct types of allowances. These allowances encompass those for housing, commuting, hardship, leave, transfers, special school, reader’s facilitation, responsibility, and acting allowances.
Importantly, only the responsibility allowance will qualify for pension benefits.
The remaining allowances will be pensionable if an individual receives them until retirement.
The Bill also proposes an amendment to Section 11 of the TSC Act to ensure that, prior to the Commission disbursing its allowances, it engages in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Hon. Haro asserts that these amendments are intended to foster fairness, legal clarity, and accountability in the allocation of benefits to teachers.
He emphasized that legal support would guarantee that such benefits are dispensed consistently and are not subject to arbitrary decision-making.
Thus, it is timely for the bill to be introduced amidst significant pressure from teacher unions, including KNUT and KUPPET, which are calling for a comprehensive review of salaries and allowances.
These unions are advocating for an increase in basic salary, a hazard allowance for science teachers, and remuneration for work performed during public holidays.
KNUT has also requested that additional credits be awarded to teachers in challenging and under-resourced areas, and that acting instructors—often deputy heads—be compensated even if they are not officially appointed.
Public participation regarding this bill has been solicited and should be submitted to the Departmental Committee on Education by May 9, 2025.
If enacted, the law would theoretically simplify payments, promote transparency, and enhance the morale of teachers.
