Nairobi: The Kenya National Union of Teachers has proposed a 60 per cent increase in salary and a 30 per cent increase in all allowances in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with their employer, the Teachers Service Commission, starting from July this year. KNUT, which primarily represents teachers in primary schools, is advocating for a substantial pay rise to support educators and influence education policy.
According to Kenya News Agency, KNUT Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno revealed that the current CBA will expire on 30th June this year, prompting the need for a new term of service. The proposed CBA is currently under review by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for advisory and is expected to take effect from the next financial year (2025/2026).
Speaking during the burial of former KNUT Chairperson Kirinyaga Chapter at Kiandangae ACK Church in Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga County, Otieno emphasized that they would not accept anything less than their proposed figure. He threatened industrial action if the Teachers Service Commission fails to meet their demands, stating, "Teachers will not accept anything less than 60 per cent on the salaries and also 30 per cent on allowances. Failure to do that, we will take industrial action. The Teachers Service Commission should take us seriously."
The Union also criticized the government for eliminating hardship allowances in certain areas, affecting some of its members. KNUT urged the TSC to prioritize the welfare of teachers, highlighting the need for the government to allocate sufficient funds for free primary education. They called for adherence to disbursing 50 per cent of funds in the first term, 30 per cent in the second term, and 20 per cent in the third term to ensure smooth school operations.
KNUT's first Vice Chairman Joseph Langat expressed concerns over insecurity in some parts of the country, particularly the Kerio Valley region of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, which is impacting all sectors, including education. He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to enhance security in the area to protect the lives of Kenyans. "We have insecurity, especially in Rift Valley, affecting learning in several schools. The government should look into it and that is, as teachers, we fought for a hardship allowance," Langat said.