TSC engages teachers’ unions in salary and allowances negotiations regarding the new 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Negotiations between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the teachers’ unions of Kenya—specifically the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)—are becoming increasingly intense as the existing non-monetary Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) nears its expiration date of June 30, 2025.
The unions are advocating for significant salary increases and improved allowances within the upcoming 2025–2029 CBA.
Union Demands
KNUT is demanding a 60% increase in basic salary, citing that previous CBAs have insufficiently addressed the escalating cost of living.
KUPPET is requesting a basic salary increment that ranges from 50% to 100%, in addition to the establishment of a risk allowance specifically designated for science teachers.
Proposed Allowance Enhancements
Both unions are proposing the following:
Overtime Compensation: Fixed financial rewards or overtime payments for teachers who work during public holidays.
Hardship Allowances: Additional compensation for teachers located in arid, semi-arid, and hard-to-staff areas.
Acting Allowances: Payments allocated to teachers who are serving in acting roles, such as deputy headteachers or department heads, without formal confirmation.
Recent Developments
In August 2024, the TSC executed the second phase of the 2021–2025 CBA, which included salary adjustments that ranged from 2. 4% to 9. 5%. These increments were retroactive to July 1, 2024, and included various allowances such as commuter, housing, leave, and hardship, varying from Ksh 3,850 to Ksh 50,000 based on job group.
Nevertheless, the unions have expressed their dissatisfaction with these adjustments, contending that they do not meet the recommendations set forth by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). As a result, they have issued strike notices, demanding the full implementation of the 2021–2025 CBA, the settlement of outstanding salary arrears, and the initiation of negotiations for the 2026–2030 CBA.
Legislative Efforts
A bill has been introduced to amend the Teachers Service Commission Act, with the objective of establishing a structured framework for teacher allowances. This proposed legislation aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the management of teachers’ benefits, aligning with the unions’ demands for consistent and equitable compensation.
As negotiations progress, the outcome will have a considerable impact on the welfare of teachers throughout Kenya. Stakeholders are closely observing these developments to guarantee that the forthcoming CBA addresses the enduring concerns of educators.