BOM Teachers Salaries In Nairobi

Board of Management (BOM) teachers play a crucial role in Kenya’s education system, filling gaps where the government has not deployed enough Teachers Service Commission (TSC) staff. In Nairobi, the demand for BOM teachers is particularly high due to the large student population and limited government recruitment. However, their salaries vary significantly depending on several factors, including the financial capacity of the school, the level of education, and agreements between school management and teachers.

Salary Structure of BOM Teachers in Nairobi

Unlike TSC-employed teachers who have a structured salary scale, BOM teachers’ salaries are not standardized. Their pay is determined by individual schools, with funding coming from parents’ contributions, school budgets, and sometimes support from well-wishers. This means that salaries can differ greatly from one institution to another.

On average, BOM teachers in Nairobi earn between Sh10,000 and Sh25,000 per month. Some well-funded schools, particularly national and extra-county schools, offer salaries on the higher end of this scale, while smaller and underfunded schools may pay as little as Sh5,000 to Sh10,000. Additionally, payment is not always consistent, as it depends on the school’s ability to collect fees from parents.

Factors Affecting BOM Teachers’ Salaries in Nairobi

The financial strength of a school is a major determinant of how much a BOM teacher earns. Schools that have a strong financial base, such as national and reputable private institutions, tend to pay better salaries compared to public day schools that rely heavily on student fees. Furthermore, the location of the school within Nairobi also plays a role, as schools in high-income areas may have more financial resources than those in low-income neighborhoods.

Another key factor is the teacher’s qualifications and experience. BOM teachers with degrees in education are likely to be offered higher salaries compared to those with diplomas or certificate qualifications. However, since these teachers are not under the TSC payroll, they do not receive structured salary increments or government allowances, making their financial stability unpredictable.

Challenges Facing BOM Teachers in Nairobi

One of the biggest challenges faced by BOM teachers in Nairobi is job insecurity. Since their employment is tied to the school’s ability to generate revenue, there is always the risk of salary delays or job termination if funds become insufficient. This has been a persistent issue, especially in public schools where parents struggle to pay fees, affecting the school’s capacity to pay salaries on time.

Another major challenge is the lack of benefits and allowances. Unlike TSC teachers, BOM teachers do not receive house, medical, or hardship allowances. Most of them are forced to rely on personal resources to cover healthcare expenses and rent, which can be difficult given their low salaries. The lack of pension schemes also means that long-term financial security is uncertain.

Additionally, many BOM teachers work under difficult conditions, handling large classes with minimal resources. Despite their dedication, they are often overlooked when salary reviews and employment benefits are discussed, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction among many educators.

Efforts to Improve BOM Teachers’ Salaries

Over the years, there have been calls from teachers’ unions and education stakeholders to improve the working conditions and salaries of BOM teachers. Some have proposed that the government allocate a specific budget to support BOM teachers in public schools, ensuring they receive a stable income.

Also Read: Teachers Salaries In Kenya

In some instances, well-performing BOM teachers have been absorbed into the TSC payroll when vacancies arise, providing them with job security and better salaries. However, competition for these slots is high, and not all BOM teachers secure permanent employment under TSC.

Some schools have also introduced income-generating projects to supplement teachers’ salaries, but these initiatives are not always sustainable. The best solution remains government intervention to standardize BOM teachers’ salaries and provide financial support to schools struggling to pay their staff.