TEACHERS THREATEN STRIKE

Teachers’ unions in Kenya, including KNUT and KUPPET have threatened nationwide strikes due to government’s delay in negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement(CBA). With only three weeks remaining before the current 2021-2025 CBA expires, the unions are demanding urgent engagement from the Teachers Service Commission warning of industrial action if their calls are ignored.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) have voiced strong concern over the stalled process. They accuse the TSC of failing to act on proposals submitted months ago, with no financial provision for a new CBA in the 2025-2026 budget.

KNUT is demanding a 60 percent increase in basic salaries over the next four years, alongside a 30 percent boost in allowances. They are also calling for promotions based on merit, experience, and qualifications and want the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) revised to make Grade C1 the new entry point for teachers instead of the current grade B5.

Additional demands include enhanced medical exit policies and better sick leave terms. Senior officials from TSC, appearing before the Education Committee of the National Assembly on May 13, confirmed that no funds had been allocated for a new CBA. KUSNET is demanding a 40 percent salary increment for principals and school heads and 50 percent for lower cadre teachers. The union is also pushing for a risk allowance of Ksh15,000 monthly, citing teachers’ quasi-nursing duties that necessitate protective gears. They further call for a 50 percent increase in all other allowances and expansion of hardship areas, warning that any adjustments to the hardships must go through the courts.

KUPPET’s proposals include a salary increment of between 30 percent and 70 percent, with a 100 percent increase in selected allowances. The union is demanding a review of job descriptions for classroom teachers, arguing the current structure unfairly favors administrators.

The unions are arguing that the last CBA was accepted under financial strain during the Covid-19 pandemic, but with the economy more stable, teachers deserve improved pay and conditions., and that delays are no longer acceptable.