TSC Housing Allowance Updates .
TSC Housing Allowance Updates .TSC House Allowance Updates: Ensuring Fairness for Teachers across Kenya.
Introduction
In Kenya today , teachers have long grappled with disparities in housing allowances, impacting their living standards. Recently, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) introduced a new system to address this issue that affects teachers.
New Cluster System Implementation
The Teacher Service Commission’s latest initiative involves grouping regions into clusters to better align housing allowances with local living costs.
Cluster Breakdown
a) Cluster 1 : Nairobi
– Highest living costs
– Allowances range from 3,850 KES to 6,750 KES.
b) Cluster 2: Major Cities and Towns
– Includes Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and others.
– Allowances range from 4,500 KES to 10,000 KES.
c) Cluster 3: Smaller Towns and Cities
– Moderate living costs
– Allowances range from 3,850 KES to 12,800 KES.
d) Cluster 4: Rural Areas
– Lowest living costs
– Allowances range from 3,850 KES to 21,508 KES.
e) Increased Allowances
Compared to the previous system, the new structure offers significantly higher allowances across all clusters.
Revised Allowance Chart
Grade | TSC Scale | Cluster 1 (Nairobi) | Cluster 2 | Cluster 3 | Cluster 4
1 | B5 | 6,750 | 4,500 | 3,850 | 3,850
2 | C1 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 5,800 | 5,000
3 | C2 | 16,500 | 12,800 | 9,600 | 8,133
4 | C3 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 14,055
5 | C4 | 28,000 | 22,000 | 16,500 | 14,055
6 | C5 | 35,000 | 25,500 | 18,000 | 16,184
7 | D1 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 18,066
8 | D2 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 18,066
9 | D3 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 18,066
10 | D4 | 45,000 | 28,000 | 21,000 | 18,066
11 | D5 | 50,000 | 35,000 | 25,000 | 21,508
Concerns and Implications
While the new system aims to rectify disparities, concerns linger regarding its fairness and adequacy, especially from teachers’ unions and individuals across different regions.
Challenges within Clusters
Disagreements arise over the broad categorization of locations into clusters, with disparities within clusters often overlooked.
Living Cost Variations
The change in dynamic nature of living costs, especially in rapidly changing areas, poses challenges in accurately reflecting these changes in the allowance system.
Rural Neglect
Teachers in rural areas, despite receiving higher allowances, still face difficulties. Efforts are needed to attract and retain qualified teachers in these underserved areas.
Conclusion
Although the new housing allowance system marks progress, more efforts are necessary to ensure equitable living conditions for teachers nationwide, ultimately enhancing Kenya’s educational landscape.
