The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has confirmed the allocation of Sh20,000 monthly allowance for teachers living with disabilities.
TSC, in a circular said that the allowance took effect last year and applies to teachers with physical and sensory disabilities requiring daily assistance.
The covered disabilities include blindness, deafness, low vision, and physical disabilities that require the use of wheelchair, crutches, or any other mobility support.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) allocated a personal allowance of Sh20,000 per month payable as part of the monthly remuneration for civil servants living with disabilities including teachers.
SRC said that the payment of the allowances was effective from February 14, 2024. A recent report submitted by the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration revealed that 5,666 teachers employed by TSC are living with disabilities.
Some 3,349 teachers have physical disabilities, while 1,741 have visual impairments. At the same time, those with hearing and mental challenges are 389, and 104, respectively.
Teachers with speech impediments are the least represented (40) followed by individuals with multiple disabilities at 43.
New cluster model replaces national and county school categories
Teachers’ unions have been pushing for allowances increase for teachers, including those handling special needs learners, as well as the disbursement of unpaid salaries.
Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet) and the Special Schools Association of Kenya (SHAC) warned that more than 2,000 special schools are at risk of shutting down due to delays in the disbursement of the funds.
In the 2025/26 financial year, the government awarded the Education sector Sh702.7 billion to enhance learning outcomes amid rising concerns over delayed funding.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) received the biggest share of Sh387.2 billion, including Sh7.2 billion earmarked for the recruitment of intern teachers and Sh980 million for capacity building under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Treasury has also set aside Sh7 billion for free primary education, Sh28.9 billion for junior secondary school capitation, and Sh51.9 billion for free day secondary education.
At the same time, the government set aside Sh5.9 billion for national examinations and Sh3 billion for the school feeding program.
