In a positive turn of events for teachers employed under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), an additional allowance is set to boost their income by the end of January. This extra remuneration, known as the annual leave allowance, is a significant benefit bestowed upon teachers once a year, with the amount varying based on their respective job groups.
Understanding Annual Leave:
Teachers, regardless of their terms and conditions of service, are entitled to a thirty-day annual leave with full pay for each calendar year served. This leave is strategically designed to align with school holidays, ensuring that educators can take a well-deserved break without affecting the academic calendar.
Online Leave Application System:
As of December 1, 2021, the TSC has streamlined the leave application process by transitioning it to an online system. This move aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for teachers. All teachers, including interns, on the TSC payroll are now required to submit their leave applications through this online platform.
Categories of Leaves:
The online platform caters to various types of leaves, including Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Compassionate Leave, Paternity Leave, Maternity Leave, Study Leave, Special Leave, Adoption Leave, and Spouse of Diplomat Leave. This digital approach not only simplifies the application process but also aligns with modern technological trends.
Annual Leave Guidelines:
The Commission emphasizes that annual leave should be taken exclusively during school holidays and cannot be accumulated for carryover into the next year. The procedures for applying for annual leave are meticulously outlined in the Twenty Seventh Schedule of the TSC Code of Regulations for teachers (CORT).
Leave Allowance Rates:
The TSC Leave Allowance rates for teachers, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covering the period 2021 – 2025 and detailed in Circular 14/2021, are based on job groups. The rates for the Annual Leave Allowance differ across job groups, ranging from Sh4,000 to Sh10,000.
Job Group-based Allowances:
- Grade B5: Sh4,000
- Grade C1: Sh4,000
- Grade C2: Sh6,000
- Grade C3: Sh6,000
- Grade C4: Sh6,000
- Grade C5: Sh6,000
- Grade D1: Sh10,000
- Grade D2: Sh10,000
- Grade D3: Sh10,000
- Grade D4: Sh10,000
- Grade D5: Sh10,000
The upcoming disbursement of the annual leave allowance by TSC is a testament to the Commission’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work of teachers. This financial boost, coupled with the streamlined online application process, marks a positive stride towards enhancing the overall well-being of educators in Kenya. As teachers eagerly anticipate the extra allowance, it serves as a timely reminder of the value placed on their dedication to shaping the future of the nation.