Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has defended the newly signed 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), despite criticism from some members who feel the salary increment is too small.

Speaking during the union’s Eldoret West branch annual general meeting, Oyuu described the agreement with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as a fair outcome given the economic situation.

He said the deal included both salary adjustments and career progression guidelines, unlike past negotiations that offered limited benefits.

“What needs to be understood is that this is a push and pull. The CBA has two components—monetary value and career progression guidelines—and we emerged victorious compared to previous negotiations. Let’s appreciate the little we received,” said Oyuu.

He recalled that teachers received no salary gain in the 2021–2025 CBA, which only included paternity and maternity benefits due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The recent negotiations are therefore a victory,” he said.

However, not all teachers share his optimism. Some argued that the pay rise is too small to ease the economic pressure they face.

Oyuu explained that the increment will be spread out progressively during the four years of the CBA.

He also assured teachers that the government will not interfere with hardship allowance or alter the gazetted hardship areas during the period.

He further urged a review of the Code of Regulations for Teachers, which he described as punitive when it comes to promotions.

“Job evaluation for teachers needs to be fair, and promotion should be based on merit to motivate teachers to deliver,” Oyuu said.

On health coverage, Oyuu maintained that teachers should continue to be covered by Minet, noting that the Social Health Authority is not stable enough to guarantee quality services.