Teachers to benefit from improved allowances in new Proposed TSC Bill
Teachers are expected to benefit from improved allowances if a new Proposed TSC Bill is enacted.
This new legislation currently under consideration in parliament offers a more structured and transparent allowance framework for Kenyan educators.
The Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is introduced by Mandera South MP Abdul Haro, aimed at revising the TSC Act of 2012 with distinctly outlined criteria for teacher allowances.
Section 32A of the proposal primarily focuses on formalising the typically informal procedure of appointing teachers to acting positions.
The Bill introduces a new ‘Schedule Four’, which categorizes nine different 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 other allowances will be pensionable if received until retirement.
Amendment of Section 11 of the TSC Act has also been suggested by the Bill to ensure that prior to the Commission disbursing its allowances, it consults the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Hon. Haro stated that these amendments aim to enhance fairness, legal transparency, and accountability in the allocation of benefits to educators.
He emphasized that legal support would guarantee that such benefits are dispensed consistently and not subject to arbitrary judgments.
Thus, it is appropriate for the bill to be introduced during this time of significant pressure from teachers’ unions, including KNUT and KUPPET, which are calling for comprehensive revisions of salaries and allowances.
These unions are advocating for an increase in base salary, hazard allowances for science educators, and compensation for work performed during public holidays.
KNUT has also appealed for additional credits to be granted to teachers in challenging and underfunded areas, and for acting instructors—usually deputy heads—to receive payment even if not officially designated.
Public input on this bill has been sought and should be submitted to the Departmental Committee on Education by May 9, 2025.
If approved, the legislation would theoretically streamline payments, promote transparency, and boost teachers’ morale.