At first glance, the life of a Kenyan secondary school teacher appears dignified neatly dressed, dedicated to nurturing the nation’s youth, and deeply respected in the community. But behind the blackboard lies a harsh reality: many teachers are financially stretched to their limits, unable to meet basic needs despite their critical societal role.
The root of the struggle is poor remuneration. A graduate teacher in Job Group C2 earns a basic salary of around KSh 36,000. After statutory deductions and loan repayments to SACCOs, the take-home pay often drops to just KSh 25,000. With Nairobi rents taking up to half of this amount and the rest divided between transport, food, and endless social obligations, saving becomes a distant dream.
Inflation has compounded the problem. Prices of essentials like cooking oil, electricity, and school supplies have surged, while salary increments have lagged far behind. Teachers, like everyone else, are victims of rising costs, yet their income has remained largely static.
To cope, many teachers turn to side hustles—private tuition, farming, or even boda boda rides. These supplementary jobs bring in much-needed income but come at a steep cost to energy and time. Burnout is common, affecting classroom performance and overall well-being.
Debt is another burden. Many teachers are lured by quick loans from SACCOS and mobile lending apps. Unfortunately, the pressure to repay these high-interest loans often leads to a vicious cycle of borrowing. Missed payments result in embarrassment, sometimes even during lessons, as collection agents call mid-class.
Cultural expectations add a final layer of stress. Teachers are expected to support extended families, contribute to church projects, and attend every harambee. Saying “no” feels incompatible with the societal prestige of the profession.
There is hope in policy reform, financial literacy, and a societal shift in valuing educators. Fair compensation, honest training on money management, and support from financial institutions focused on long-term saving rather than quick credit could make a difference.
Until then, many of us teach by day and hustle by night hoping that one day, shaping the future will no longer mean sacrificing our present.
