TSC Updates Hardship Areas and Teacher Allowances for 2025
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has made important updates to the classification of hardship areas and the associated allowances for teachers, starting July 1, 2025. This initiative is designed to adjust compensation in line with the current infrastructural and socio-economic realities in different regions of Kenya.
Reassessment of Hardship Areas
In partnership with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the TSC has reviewed regions that were previously identified as hardship areas.
This evaluation took into account factors such as access to essential services, infrastructure, security, and the availability of social services.
Consequently, hardship areas have been divided into two categories:
Extreme Hardship Areas:
These include regions facing significant challenges, such as Mandera, Garissa, Turkana, Wajir, Tana River, Marsabit, parts of Lamu, West Pokot, parts of Baringo, and Isiolo counties.
Moderate Hardship Areas:
These regions experience notable but less severe challenges, including parts of Kwale, Narok West, Narok South, Loita, Samburu, Suba South, Suba North, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Kilifi, Nyando, Nyakach, Laikipia, and Nyandarua counties.
Several areas, including Tinderet, Soin, Bunyala, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Tharaka Nithi, have been completely removed from the hardship classification due to improvements in infrastructure and living conditions.
Impact on Teachers
Teachers in Extreme Hardship Areas will continue to receive full hardship allowances, while those in Moderate Hardship Areas will experience a reduction in their allowances. Educators in regions that are no longer classified as hardship areas will no longer receive these allowances.
The hardship allowance varies by job group, ranging from Ksh 6,600 for entry-level teachers (Job Group B5) to Ksh 38,100 for senior administrators (Job Group D5).
Reactions from Stakeholders
The reclassification has received mixed responses. Some stakeholders commend the government’s efforts to reflect current conditions, while teacher unions have raised concerns about the potential negative effects on staff morale and retention in impacted areas. They argue that the reduction or elimination of hardship allowances could worsen staffing issues in remote schools.
The government expects to save around Ksh 6.5 billion annually through these changes.
However, education stakeholders stress the importance of a balanced approach that considers both fiscal responsibility and the well-being of teachers working in difficult environments.
Conclusion
The TSC’s updated classification of hardship areas and allowances aims to align teacher compensation with present-day conditions. As these changes are implemented, ongoing communication between the government and education stakeholders will be essential to address concerns and ensure the provision of quality education across all regions.