TSC Salary Scale and Allowances for JSS Teachers, Qualifications and Promotion Creteria (Career Guidelines).
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially outlined the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. These guidelines mirror those applied to secondary school educators and establish a structured path for promotions, starting from job group C1 and advancing to the highest grade, D5.
This announcement follows widespread dissatisfaction among JSS teachers who had been excluded from the January and February promotion interviews, where 25,252 teachers had already been elevated. In response, TSC has ensured that JSS teachers will now be included in the formal promotion structure. A teacher from Kisii County expressed frustration, stating that their career was being ignored despite their contribution to the curriculum. Another teacher remarked that it was demoralizing to be left behind while others progressed.
While JSS schools operate from within primary school compounds, TSC has officially classified them as independent institutions. However, intern teachers are not part of the promotion track and are instead given a monthly stipend. Despite this, internship is a prerequisite for future permanent employment. Only those hired on permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms qualify for progression under the CPG.
TSC Salary Scale and Allowances for JSS Teachers, Qualifications and Promotion Creteria (Career Guidelines).
Promotion Criteria and Job Groups
According to TSC, teachers with diplomas will begin at job group C1, whereas those holding degrees will start at job group C2. After serving for three years, diploma holders will be promoted to C2 automatically, while graduate teachers will move to C3. Thereafter, promotions will only be granted through competitive interviews. Teachers are required to serve a minimum of three years in their current grade to be eligible for the next.
From grade C4 onwards, promotions transition into administrative roles. These include positions like Senior Master, Deputy Principal, and Principal, starting at Senior Master IV (C4). Advancement to higher administrative ranks is based solely on merit and successful interviews.
Administrative Positions and Grading Structure
The recognized administrative positions in JSS include:
- Senior Master (Grades C4 to D2)
- Deputy Principal (Grades C5 to D3)
- Principal (Grades D3 to D5)
These designations come with specific job grades and require progressive promotions through successful evaluations.
| Designation | Job Grade | Job Group |
|---|---|---|
| Intern Teachers (JSS) | – | – |
| Secondary Teacher III (JSS) | C1 | F |
| Secondary Teacher II (JSS) | C2 | G |
| Secondary Teacher I (JSS) | C3 | H |
| Senior Master IV (JSS) | C4 | J |
| Senior Master III (JSS) | C5 | K |
| Senior Master II (JSS) | D1 | L |
| Senior Master I (JSS) | D2 | M |
| Deputy Principal IV (JSS) | C5 | K |
| Deputy Principal III (JSS) | D1 | L |
| Deputy Principal II (JSS) | D2 | M |
| Deputy Principal I (JSS) | D3 | N |
| Principal (JSS) | D3 | N |
| Senior Principal (JSS) | D4 | P |
| Chief Principal (JSS) | D5 | Q |
JSS Teachers’ Salary and Allowances
TSC recently made minor adjustments to the basic salaries and housing allowances for JSS teachers. The pay is structured by job grade, and additional benefits include commuter, hardship, disability guide, and leave allowances.
Basic Salary (Monthly)
| Grade | Minimum (Ksh) | Maximum (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | 27,195 | 33,994 |
| C2 | 34,955 | 43,694 |
| C3 | 43,154 | 53,943 |
| C4 | 52,308 | 65,385 |
| C5 | 62,272 | 77,840 |
| D1 | 77,840 | 93,408 |
| D2 | 91,041 | 109,249 |
| D3 | 104,644 | 125,573 |
| D4 | 118,242 | 141,891 |
| D5 | 131,380 | 157,656 |
Commuter Allowance (Monthly)
| Grade | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2 | 5,000 |
| C3 | 6,000 |
| C4 | 8,000 |
| C5 | 8,000 |
| D1 | 12,000 |
| D2 | 12,000 |
| D3 | 14,000 |
| D4 | 14,000 |
| D5 | 16,000 |
Disability Guide Allowance (Monthly)
Applicable to all grades working in special schools or units: 20,000 Ksh
Leave Allowance (Annually in January)
| Grade | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| C1 | 4,000 |
| C2–C5 | 6,000 |
| D1–D5 | 10,000 |
House Allowance (Based on Region)
| Grade | Nairobi | Major Towns | Minor Towns | Other Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 5,800 | 4,200 |
| C2 | 16,500 | 12,800 | 9,600 | 7,500 |
| C3 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 13,000 |
| C4 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 13,000 |
| C5 | 35,000 | 25,500 | 18,000 | 15,400 |
| D1 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D2 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D3 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D4 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 16,800 |
| D5 | 50,000 | 35,000 | 25,000 | 20,000 |
Hardship Allowance (Monthly)
| Grade | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| C1 | 8,200 |
| C2 | 10,900 |
| C3 | 12,300 |
| C4 | 14,650 |
| C5 | 17,100 |
| D1 | 27,300 |
| D2 | 27,300 |
| D3 | 31,500 |
| D4 | 31,500 |
| D5 | 38,100 |
Qualifications for Teaching Junior Secondary School in Kenya
To teach in junior secondary schools (JSS) in Kenya, teachers must fulfill specific academic and professional standards. These qualifications differ slightly based on whether the individual is a graduate teacher or holds a diploma. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) outlines these standards to ensure that educators are well-equipped for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) currently being implemented across the country.
Requirements for Graduate Teachers
Graduate teachers are eligible to teach in junior secondary if they satisfy the following minimum conditions:
- They must be registered with the Teachers Service Commission.
- A minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is required, along with C+ (plus) in each of the two teaching subjects aligned with either the 8-4-4 system or CBC.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Secondary option) is mandatory, and it must include two teaching subjects. Notably, those with a Bachelor of Education (Primary Option) are not considered eligible.
- Graduates holding a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension with two teaching subjects also qualify.
- Those with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree accompanied by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) are also considered eligible, provided they cover two teaching subjects.
- Holders of Bachelor of Science with Education or Bachelor of Arts with Education degrees must also have studied two teaching subjects.
- At the university level, teachers must have completed at least eight units in each of the two teaching subjects.
- Participation in CBC training is mandatory to handle JSS classes effectively.
An official from the Ministry of Education confirmed that graduate teachers must be academically prepared for the subjects they intend to teach and must demonstrate CBC competence. A school principal added that successful teaching at this level requires subject depth and curriculum-specific training.
Qualifications for P1 Teachers Transitioning to JSS
Due to a growing demand for teachers at the junior secondary level, TSC has allowed the deployment of P1 teachers who meet certain academic and professional criteria. Although they originally trained for primary education, some have qualifications that align with JSS needs. However, not all P1 teachers automatically qualify.
To be eligible, P1 teachers must have:
- A valid P1 teaching certificate.
- A mean grade of C+ in KCSE and C+ in two subjects offered under the 8-4-4 system or CBC.
- A Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Education.
- Teachers with hearing or visual impairments who attained a mean grade of C (Plain) and the same in the two teaching subjects may also qualify if they pursued a diploma in education.
- All must have completed CBC training tailored for junior secondary instruction.
Conclusion
TSC has reaffirmed that the career growth of JSS teachers is now aligned with the broader secondary education system, offering both structured progression and motivation.
One TSC official explained that the new guidelines were designed to ensure fair treatment and career growth for all JSS educators. A teacher from Nairobi commented that the changes had given them hope for a future in the profession, adding that the recognition was long overdue.
