Teachers' unions demand new pay deal ahead of CBA expiry
The 2021–2025 CBA, which was largely non-monetary due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ends soon, but teachers say their fresh proposals are yet to be acted upon.
Teachers’ unions have threatened industrial action with only three weeks left before the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Teachers Service Commission expires, citing government inaction and a lack of budgetary allocation for salary improvements in the 2025–2026 financial year.
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 all raised concern over the stalled talks, blaming the TSC for failing to initiate fresh negotiations.
The 2021–2025 CBA, which was largely non-monetary due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ends soon, but teachers say their fresh proposals are yet to be acted upon.
“We submitted our proposals months ago, but instead of engaging, the TSC continues to hide behind the ‘waiting for advice from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)’ as an excuse,” said Knut Deputy Secretary Hesbon Otieno.
TSC officials told the National Assembly Education Committee on May 13 that no funds have been set aside for a new CBA.
“Key areas that are not funded at all in the 2025 -2026 budget for the TSC include the financial requirement for the CBA that is under negotiation,” said Cheptumo Ayabei, the commission’s director of finance.
Knut wants a 60 per cent rise in basic salaries over four years, a 30 per cent increase in allowances, revised promotion criteria based on merit and experience, and a review of Career Progression Guidelines to start new teachers at Grade C1 rather than B5.
The union also seeks improved medical exit policies and extended sick leave terms from the current six months (three full pay, three half pay) to a full year with pay adjustments.
Kusnet, which represents special needs educators, is also pushing for negotiations to start without further delay. “We are yet to commence negotiations on the 2025–2029 CBA with the TSC.
The last letter only promised to revert in due time, so we are still waiting,” said Secretary-General James Torome.
Their proposals include a 40 per cent raise for school heads in Grades D1–D5 and 50 per cent for lower grades B5–C5.
They are also demanding a risk allowance of Sh15,000 per month and a uniform allowance of Sh15,000 per year, citing the need for protective gear in their quasi-nursing roles.
Kusnet also wants a 50 per cent hike in all other allowances and an expanded list of hardship areas, warning that any change to the hardship policy must be approved by the courts.
Kuppet has also warned against continued delays, stating that the TSC has no leadership vacuum and should begin talks immediately.
“The commission is fully constituted and what we now need is for the acting CEO, Evaleen Jesang Mitei, to initiate talks and ensure the process is seamlessly followed,” said Secretary-General Akelo Misori.
Among Kuppet’s wide-ranging demands are a 30–70 per cent salary increase, 100 per cent raise in selected allowances, and a reduction of the CBA cycle from four years to two.
The union is also pushing for automatic promotions up to deputy principal level, dual promotional tracks for administrators and non-administrators, full compensation for acting roles, harmonisation of house allowances, and introduction of risk and postgraduate allowances.
Union leaders say the government can no longer rely on past excuses, arguing that the economy has recovered from the Covid-19 crisis and teachers now expect better pay and working conditions.
