Navigating Public Service Remuneration in 2025: A Comparison of TSC, PSC, and Parastatals
Published: December 28, 2025 | Category: Careers & Finance
Understanding the salary landscape in Kenya’s public sector requires navigating various regulatory bodies, from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to specific state corporation acts. For professionals looking to join or transition within the public service, comparing the earnings of a Teacher (TSC), a Civil Servant (PSC), and a Parastatal employee is essential.
The Parastatal Landscape: KNEC and KMTC
Parastatals, officially known as State Corporations, are often viewed as the most lucrative public service branches due to their independent funding structures and specialized allowances.
1. Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
Established under the KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012, KNEC is a social service parastatal. In 2025, an ICT Officer (Grade 7) earns a basic salary ranging from KES 35,275 to KES 47,272, excluding house and commuter allowances which can boost the gross pay significantly.
2. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
KMTC operates under the Ministry of Health. For 2025, lecturers (Grade M9) earn an estimated basic pay of KES 38,910 to KES 52,230. However, medical staff at KMTC benefit from specialized “Extraneous” and “Health Risk” allowances that can add between KES 5,000 and KES 40,000 to their monthly take-home pay.
Comparative Analysis: The Grade C3 Benchmark
How does a TSC Grade C3 Teacher compare to their counterparts in the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Parastatals in 2025? Here is the breakdown:
| Feature | TSC (C3) | PSC (Group L) | Parastatal (Gr. 7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | KES 49.8k – 66.2k | KES 44.4k – 61.1k | Up to KES 72k |
| House Allow. | KES 12k – 28k | KES 28k (Fixed) | KES 15k – 35k |
| Leave Allow. | KES 6k (Annual) | KES 6k (Annual) | Often 1 Month Basic |
The Bottom Line
- The Parastatal Edge: Organizations like KNEC and KMTC generally offer better annual perks, such as comprehensive medical insurance and leave allowances equal to a full month’s salary.
- TSC Stability: While basic salaries for C3 teachers are competitive, their house allowance is heavily dependent on their geographical workstation.
- Statutory Changes: All 2025 earners must account for the new SHIF (2.75%) and the updated NSSF tiers, which impact the final net pay across all sectors.
