Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government and national teachers’ unions have struck a four-year pay deal worth Sh33 billion, ending a protracted negotiation and promising salary increases for over 400,000 educators. Under the agreement, which runs from July 2025 through June 2029, teachers will see raises between 5% and 29.5% on their basic pay, to be phased in annually.

The deal was signed by representatives of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET). KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori said the increments will begin with the July 2025 payroll, funded by an allocation of Sh8.4 billion per year for the pay rise. “We agreed that we will get Sh8.4 billion each financial year for the pay rise, and by the end of this month, we expect the first date of implementation,” Misori said.

The lowest-paid teachers (Job Group B5) will see their monthly salary jump from about Sh22,793 to Sh28,620, a raise of Sh5,827. Higher grades will also benefit; for example, entry-level secondary teachers (C1) will move from roughly Sh28,491 to Sh35,336 monthly. Over time, these increments are expected to improve teacher welfare and address workload disparities. Both sides hailed the deal as a major milestone that avoids costly strikes and strengthens Kenya’s education sector.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu confirmed that the government has set aside funds in the national budget to cover the increases. He said the deal reflects a commitment to recognize teachers’ contribution while maintaining fiscal stability. Teachers union leaders expressed hope that the enhanced compensation will boost morale in classrooms and support the deployment of more educators to relieve current shortages.