All Types of TSC Teacher Allowances Explained
The rates of allowances for teachers are periodically revised by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in accordance with the most recent Job Group (Grade) following promotions. Teachers receive these bonuses in addition to their regular pay.
Types of Allowances
TSC offers a variety of allowances that are determined by a variety of factors, such as the teacher’s job grade, workstation, duties, and the type of students they supervise. Automatic and application-based allowances are the two categories into which the allowances are divided.
a) Automatic Allowances
Automatic allowances include:
1. House Allowance: House Allowance: A monthly payment that is distributed to all teachers in accordance with their employment grade and workstation. Increased allowances are granted to employees in higher-level positions. Workstations are categorized into four regions by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC):
- Nairobi. The dwelling allowance for teachers in Nairobi is the highest, while those in reserves receive the lowest.
- Former Major Municipalities (e.g., Mombasa, Kisumu)Other former Municipalities (e.g., Ruiru, Kikuyu)Reserves (other areas)
2. The Medical Allowance, which was previously distributed to teachers, is now deducted and remitted directly to Minet insurance, with a portion of the reimbursement going to the NHIF.
3. Commuter Allowance: Monthly payment determined by job group.
4. Hardship Allowance: A monthly payment for teachers in regions that are susceptible to insecurity, elevated risks, and severe weather conditions. Teachers in higher grades are granted a greater amount.
5. Leave Allowance: An annual allowance that is paid with the January salary and is determined by the job classification.
b) Allowances Paid Upon Application
- Responsibility Allowance: For senior teachers, deputy head teachers, and head teachers in Job Group K and below.
- Special Duty Allowance: For teachers who are appointed to administrative positions in arid and semi-arid regions and are not in job group M.
- Readers’ Allowance: For teachers who are visually impaired and employ a reader with a minimum qualification of KCSE D+/KCE Division III. Paid at a rate of Sh15,000 per month.
- Interpreters Allowance: For deaf teachers using interpreters while on study leave.
- Special School Allowance: For teachers in special needs education deployed in special schools or units.
- Transfer Allowance: For teachers transferred by the Commission, equivalent to one month’s basic pay.
Reimbursable Expenses
Under particular circumstances, the commission reimburses teachers for specific expenses.
Travel Expenses
In the following circumstances, teachers may be eligible for reimbursement for travel expenses:
- When the interdiction of a teacher is lifted.
- When traveling to an interview.
- While en route to their initial assignment outside of their hometown.
- Upon retirement, when they are traveling from their duty station outside of their native district.
- If they work in hardship areas, they may travel to and from their home district during school holidays, provided that their home district is not located within the hardship area.
- In order to claim these expenses, teachers are required to submit applications using the prescribed forms and include supporting documents.
Quota Per Diem
A daily subsistence allowance is available to educators who are on official assignments. Applications for this allowance must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the date of travel.
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All Types of TSC Teacher Allowances Explained
