TSC Proposed Job Groups and Salary Scales 2026: New ST8 to ST1 Structure Explained
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is reviewing the grading and career progression structure for teachers in Kenya as the education system continues to transition under Competency-Based Education (CBE).
One of the major proposals attracting attention among teachers is the introduction of a streamlined ST8 to ST1 grading structure, which would reorganise a number of the existing teacher job grades.
The proposed structure is intended to address career progression, reduce overlaps between grades, and align teacher grading with the changing responsibilities of teachers in Junior and Senior School.
However, teachers should distinguish between proposed salary scales and the currently operational TSC salary structure. A proposal does not automatically become an official salary scale until it is formally approved and implemented.
This article explains the reported TSC proposed job groups, salary ranges, grade mapping, possible changes and what teachers need to understand about the proposed structure.
TSC Proposed Job Groups and Salary Scales 2026
The proposed structure is reported to have eight teacher grades, running from ST8 at the entry level to ST1 at the highest level.
The reported salary bands are as follows:
| Proposed Grade | Proposed Designation | Current Grade Mapping | Proposed Basic Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST8 | Teacher 8 / Secondary Teacher III | C1 | KSh 29,787 – 37,234 |
| ST7 | Teacher 7 / Secondary Teacher II | C2 | KSh 38,286 – 47,858 |
| ST6 | Teacher 6 / Secondary Teacher I | C3/C4 | KSh 52,308 – 68,857 |
| ST5 | Senior Teacher | C5 | KSh 62,272 – 79,651 |
| ST4 | Deputy Principal | D1/D2 | KSh 92,496 – 112,633 |
| ST3 | Principal | D3 | KSh 106,043 – 129,463 |
| ST2 | Senior Principal | D4 | KSh 118,242 – 146,286 |
| ST1 | Chief Principal | D5 | KSh 131,380 – 162,539 |
These figures represent the reported proposed basic salary bands associated with the ST structure.
Teachers should not, however, assume that every teacher will automatically move to the corresponding salary shown in the table. Actual implementation would depend on the final structure, approvals, placement rules and official communication from TSC.
What Is the Proposed TSC ST8 to ST1 Structure?
The proposed ST structure would simplify teacher grading by reducing the number of separate levels.
Under the proposal, teacher grades would be arranged from ST8 to ST1, with ST8 representing the lower level and ST1 representing the highest level.
The progression would therefore be:
ST8 → ST7 → ST6 → ST5 → ST4 → ST3 → ST2 → ST1
This creates a more straightforward career ladder.
Instead of having numerous separate grades, the proposed structure would group some existing grades together.
For teachers, this could make it easier to understand the potential progression from classroom teaching positions into senior teaching and school leadership positions.
TSC Proposed Grade ST8
ST8 would be the lowest level in the proposed eight-grade structure.
It is associated with the reported designation of Teacher 8 / Secondary Teacher III.
The proposed salary range is:
KSh 29,787 – KSh 37,234 per month.
The proposal maps ST8 to the current C1 grade.
The grade would therefore serve as one of the entry points into the proposed structure for teachers meeting the relevant qualifications and appointment requirements.
TSC Proposed Grade ST7
The next level would be ST7, reportedly associated with the designation Teacher 7 / Secondary Teacher II.
The proposed salary range is:
KSh 38,286 – KSh 47,858 per month.
ST7 is mapped to the existing C2 grade.
Progression to this level would depend on the final TSC career progression and promotion framework if the proposed structure is adopted.
TSC Proposed Grade ST6
ST6 would be an important level because the proposal reportedly combines the existing C3 and C4 grades.
The proposed designation is Teacher 6 / Secondary Teacher I.
The reported salary range is:
KSh 52,308 – KSh 68,857 per month.
Under the proposal:
C3 + C4 → ST6
The merging of C3 and C4 is one of the notable changes contained in the reported proposed structure.
TSC Proposed Grade ST5
ST5 would correspond to the Senior Teacher level.
The reported proposed salary range is:
KSh 62,272 – KSh 79,651 per month.
ST5 is mapped to the existing C5 grade.
Senior teachers generally have additional responsibilities in school administration, academic coordination, mentoring and supervision, depending on their specific appointments and school structures.
TSC Proposed Grade ST4
At the administrative level, the proposal reportedly combines D1 and D2 into ST4.
The proposed designation is Deputy Principal.
The reported salary range is:
KSh 92,496 – KSh 112,633 per month.
The proposed mapping is:
D1 + D2 → ST4
This proposed merger is significant because D1 and D2 have historically represented separate levels within the TSC grading system.
TSC Proposed Grade ST3
The next level would be ST3, associated with the position of Principal.
The reported salary range is:
KSh 106,043 – KSh 129,463 per month.
ST3 corresponds to the existing D3 grade.
School principals have significant administrative, instructional and institutional management responsibilities.
TSC Proposed Grade ST2
ST2 would correspond to the Senior Principal level.
The reported proposed salary range is:
KSh 118,242 – KSh 146,286 per month.
ST2 is mapped to the existing D4 grade.
Senior principals are positioned above the principal level in the proposed career structure.
TSC Proposed Grade ST1
At the top of the proposed structure would be ST1.
This level is associated with the position of Chief Principal.
The reported salary range is:
KSh 131,380 – KSh 162,539 per month.
ST1 corresponds to the current D5 grade.
It would therefore represent the highest level in the proposed ST teacher grading structure.
Proposed TSC Job Group Mapping
The reported proposed mapping can be summarised as follows:
| Current Grade | Proposed Grade |
|---|---|
| C1 | ST8 |
| C2 | ST7 |
| C3 | ST6 |
| C4 | ST6 |
| C5 | ST5 |
| D1 | ST4 |
| D2 | ST4 |
| D3 | ST3 |
| D4 | ST2 |
| D5 | ST1 |
The most noticeable changes are the proposed consolidation of:
C3 and C4 into ST6
and
D1 and D2 into ST4.
Why Is TSC Reviewing Teacher Job Groups?
The proposed restructuring comes at a time when Kenya’s education system is changing significantly.
The transition from the former curriculum to Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Competency-Based Education (CBE) has changed the roles and responsibilities of teachers across different levels of education.
Teachers are increasingly required to handle new teaching approaches, assessment methods, learner-centred instruction, digital learning and different school-level responsibilities.
A revised grading structure could therefore provide a framework that better reflects these responsibilities.
Alignment With Junior and Senior School
One of the major issues surrounding teacher grading is the organisation of Junior School and Senior School.
The education transition has created new teaching and administrative requirements.
A streamlined grading structure could help establish clearer career pathways for teachers working in these institutions.
It could also address situations where teachers have similar responsibilities but occupy different grades.
Proposed Merger of C3 and C4
One of the most important changes is the proposed merger of C3 and C4.
Under the reported structure:
C3 + C4 = ST6
Instead of having two separate grades, teachers in these categories would fall under one proposed ST level.
The reported proposal indicates that the merged level would use the applicable salary structure associated with the proposed grade.
However, teachers should wait for official implementation guidelines before concluding how their individual salaries, allowances or progression dates would be affected.
Proposed Merger of D1 and D2
Another major proposal involves D1 and D2.
The proposed structure places both grades under:
ST4
This would reduce two administrative grades into a single proposed level.
The reported salary range for ST4 is:
KSh 92,496 – KSh 112,633.
The final effect on individual teachers would depend on the placement and implementation rules eventually issued by TSC.
Will All Teachers Get a Salary Increase?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most important points teachers should understand.
A change in job-group structure does not automatically mean every teacher will receive a new salary increase.
There are two separate issues:
- Grading structure
- Salary review
A grading review determines how positions are classified.
A salary review determines how much teachers are paid within those grades.
Therefore, teachers should distinguish between the reported proposed salary bands and an officially implemented salary increment.
Basic Salary vs Allowances
The figures associated with the proposed ST grades should also not be confused with total monthly earnings.
A teacher’s overall remuneration may include various allowances depending on factors such as:
- Job grade
- Workstation
- Responsibility
- House allowance eligibility
- Commuter allowance
- Administrative responsibilities
- Other applicable benefits
The proposed figures discussed in this article are basic salary ranges, not necessarily a teacher’s final gross pay.
How Teacher Salary Scales Work
A salary scale normally contains a minimum and maximum amount.
A teacher appointed to a particular grade may begin at an applicable point on the salary scale and progress through increments subject to the rules governing that grade.
For example, the proposed ST8 range is:
KSh 29,787 – KSh 37,234
while the proposed ST1 range is:
KSh 131,380 – KSh 162,539.
The difference between the minimum and maximum represents movement within the salary scale rather than an indication that every teacher in the grade earns the maximum amount.
TSC Career Progression Under the Proposed Structure
The proposed structure could provide a clearer pathway for teachers seeking career advancement.
A simplified progression could look like:
ST8 → ST7 → ST6 → ST5 → ST4 → ST3 → ST2 → ST1
However, moving from one level to another would still depend on applicable requirements.
These may include:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional qualifications
- Teaching experience
- Availability of promotional vacancies
- Performance requirements
- Relevant training
- TSC promotion procedures
- Specific responsibilities attached to the position
Teachers should therefore not assume that progression between ST levels would be automatic.
Proposed TSC Salary Structure Compared With Current Grades
The proposed system can be viewed as a restructuring of the existing grading framework rather than simply the creation of eight completely new jobs.
| Proposed ST Level | Existing Grade(s) | Reported Proposed Salary |
|---|---|---|
| ST8 | C1 | KSh 29,787 – 37,234 |
| ST7 | C2 | KSh 38,286 – 47,858 |
| ST6 | C3/C4 | KSh 52,308 – 68,857 |
| ST5 | C5 | KSh 62,272 – 79,651 |
| ST4 | D1/D2 | KSh 92,496 – 112,633 |
| ST3 | D3 | KSh 106,043 – 129,463 |
| ST2 | D4 | KSh 118,242 – 146,286 |
| ST1 | D5 | KSh 131,380 – 162,539 |
This table is useful for understanding the reported proposal, but it should not be interpreted as an official confirmation that all teachers have already been moved to the new ST grades.
What the Proposed Structure Could Mean for Teachers
If eventually approved and implemented, the proposed structure could affect teachers in several ways.
1. Fewer grading levels
The proposed eight-level system would make the structure easier to follow.
2. Greater clarity in career progression
Teachers could have a clearer progression pathway from lower teaching grades to senior administrative positions.
3. Consolidation of certain grades
The proposal would merge C3/C4 and D1/D2.
4. New designations
Teachers could eventually see ST designations replacing some of the existing grade terminology.
5. Possible changes to promotion pathways
TSC would need to issue detailed guidelines explaining how existing teachers would transition into the new system.
What Teachers Should Watch Out For
Teachers should be careful with social media posts claiming that the proposed salary structure has already been implemented.
Before making financial decisions based on the reported figures, teachers should look for an official communication from the Teachers Service Commission confirming:
- Final approval of the structure
- Effective date
- Teacher placement
- Salary conversion
- Increment dates
- Promotion requirements
- Allowance changes
- Implementation guidelines
This is particularly important because proposed structures can change during consultation and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About TSC Proposed Job Groups and Salaries 2026
What are the proposed TSC job groups for 2026?
The reported proposal introduces eight levels:
ST8, ST7, ST6, ST5, ST4, ST3, ST2 and ST1.
ST8 is the lowest level in the proposed structure, while ST1 is the highest.
What is the proposed salary for ST8?
The reported proposed basic salary for ST8 is KSh 29,787 to KSh 37,234 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST7?
The reported ST7 salary range is KSh 38,286 to KSh 47,858 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST6?
The reported ST6 salary range is KSh 52,308 to KSh 68,857 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST5?
The reported ST5 salary range is KSh 62,272 to KSh 79,651 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST4?
The reported ST4 salary range is KSh 92,496 to KSh 112,633 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST3?
The reported ST3 salary range is KSh 106,043 to KSh 129,463 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST2?
The reported ST2 salary range is KSh 118,242 to KSh 146,286 per month.
What is the proposed salary for ST1?
The reported ST1 salary range is KSh 131,380 to KSh 162,539 per month.
Which TSC grades are proposed to be merged?
The reported proposal merges C3 and C4 into ST6, while D1 and D2 would be combined under ST4.
Is the ST8 to ST1 structure already official?
The ST8–ST1 figures discussed here should be treated as a reported proposal, rather than assuming they are already the fully implemented TSC salary structure. Teachers should rely on formal TSC communication for the final implementation position.
Will teachers automatically move to the new grades?
Not necessarily. If the structure is implemented, TSC would need to provide detailed rules covering placement, conversion, promotion and salary progression.
Final Takeaway
The reported TSC Proposed Job Groups and Salary Scales 2026 represent a significant possible restructuring of teacher grading in Kenya.
The proposed model would create an eight-level structure running from ST8 to ST1, with reported basic salary bands ranging from KSh 29,787–37,234 at ST8 to KSh 131,380–162,539 at ST1.
The proposal also includes two notable consolidations: C3 and C4 under ST6, and D1 and D2 under ST4.
For teachers, the most important issue is not only the proposed salary figures but also how TSC would implement the new grading structure, including teacher placement, promotion requirements, salary conversion and allowances.
Until the Commission formally communicates the final implementation framework, teachers should treat the reported ST8–ST1 figures as proposed salary scales rather than guaranteed new salaries.
