TSC Bill suggests new benefits for educators.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) is advocating for a 60 percent increase in basic salary and improved benefits for its members in a proposed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) submitted to the TSC.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (Kuppet) has, for its part, requested a basic salary increase for its members ranging from 50 to 100 percent, along with enhanced benefits. Kuppet has also voiced demands for better allowances and the establishment of a risk allowance specifically for science teachers.
The existing CBA, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025, lacked financial components, and talks between the teachers’ unions and the TSC regarding the 2025-2029 agreement are in advanced discussions. Among the allowance suggestions the teachers’ unions are proposing is that educators working during public holidays receive compensation via a fixed financial reward or overtime pay.
Additionally, Knut insists that TSC grants three incremental credits to teachers employed in arid and semi-arid regions and other challenging-to-staff areas. It seeks acting allowances for educators in roles such as deputy headteacher, deputy principal, and heads of departments, though these requests are yet to be verified.
Knut and Kuppet have previously encountered criticism from their members for agreeing to the 2021-2025 CBA that lacked a financial element.
The unions have since defended their choice, contending that declining the agreement would have led to a legal crisis due to impending deadlines.
Mr. Haro’s Bill, which is now in front of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, is also anticipated to enhance morale and motivation within the teaching field.