MPs introduce a Bill that will create new allowances for teachers: See the 9 TSC allowances

MPs introduce a Bill that will create new allowances for teachers: See the 9 TSC allowances

Members of Parliament in Kenya have presented the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to improve the structure and equity of teacher allowances. Sponsored by Mandera South MP Abdul Haro, the bill intends to amend the Teachers Service Commission Act of 2012 to establish a clear and predictable framework for the disbursement of allowances to teachers.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Introduction of Specific Allowances: The bill puts forth a new ‘Schedule Four’ that specifies nine categories of allowances that can be granted to teachers under particular circumstances:

• Housing Allowance
• Commuter Allowance
• Hardship Allowance
• Leave Allowance
• Transfer Allowance
• Special School Allowance
• Reader’s Facilitation Allowance
• Responsibility Allowance
• Acting Allowance

Out of these, only the responsibility allowance will be pensionable if accrued up to and including the final day of service; the remaining allowances are non-pensionable.

Structured Acting Appointments

The bill introduces Section 32A, which describes a formal procedure for appointing teachers in acting roles. It states that a teacher may be appointed in an acting capacity for a duration ranging from a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of six months, as long as the teacher fulfills all required qualifications. Teachers in acting positions will receive a special duty allowance and are limited to one acting role at a time.

Consultation with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC): The bill requires that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) consults with the SRC when deciding the allowances payable to teachers, promoting transparency and consistency in compensation.

Public Participation

The National Assembly has called for the public and interested parties to share their opinions and submissions on the bill with the Departmental Committee on Education by May 9, 2025, in adherence to Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127(3).

This legislative measure arises amid increasing pressure from teachers’ unions for better pay and working conditions. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has suggested a 60 percent raise in basic salary and enhanced allowances under its proposed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the TSC.

Likewise, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (Kuppet) has urged for basic salary increases ranging from 50 to 100 percent and additional allowances, which include a risk allowance for science educators.

Should the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, be enacted, it is anticipated to create a more organized and fair system for teacher allowances, addressing longstanding complaints and improving the welfare of teachers nationwide. This could motivate educators throughout the country, thereby enhancing educational standards.