TSC involves Teachers’ unions in discussions regarding salary and allowances for the new 2025–2029 CBA.
Discussions between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the teachers’ unions in Kenya—specifically the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)—are escalating as the ongoing non-monetary Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) nears its expiration on June 30, 2025.
The unions are pushing for significant salary hikes and improved allowances in the upcoming 2025–2029 CBA.
Union Requests
KNUT is advocating for a 60% rise in basic salary, referencing the insufficiency of prior CBAs in addressing the increasing cost of living.
KUPPET is seeking a basic salary raise that ranges from 50% to 100%, as well as the establishment of a risk allowance specifically for science teachers.
Suggested Allowance Improvements
Both unions are promoting:
Overtime Compensation: Set monetary rewards or overtime payments for teachers working on public holidays.
Hardship Allowances: Extra remuneration for teachers in arid, semi-arid, and hard-to-fill areas.
Acting Allowances: Compensation for teachers taking on acting roles, such as deputy headteachers or department heads, who have not yet been officially confirmed.
Recent Updates
In August 2024, the TSC enacted the second phase of the 2021–2025 CBA, which contained salary changes between 2. 4% and 9. 5%. These raises were retroactively applied to July 1, 2024, and covered allowances like commuter, housing, leave, and hardship, ranging from Ksh 3,850 to Ksh 50,000 based on job classification.
Nevertheless, the unions have voiced dissatisfaction with these changes, contending that they do not meet the recommendations set forth by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). As a result, they have issued strike notifications, demanding the full implementation of the 2021–2025 CBA, clearance of salary arrears, and initiation of talks for the 2026–2030 CBA.
Legislative Initiatives
A proposal has been made to modify the Teachers Service Commission Act, aimed at creating a structured framework for teacher allowances. This bill seeks to promote fairness and transparency in the management of teachers’ benefits, aligning with the unions’ demands for consistent and equitable compensation.
As discussions persist, the results will have a profound effect on the welfare of educators throughout Kenya. Stakeholders are vigilantly observing developments to ensure that the upcoming CBA resolves the enduring issues faced by teachers.