The Kenya National Union of Teachers has proposed a 60 per cent increase in the salary and 30 per cent increases in all allowances in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with their employer, the Teachers Service Commission, from July this year.
KNUT principally represents teachers in primary schools, advocating for their rights and influencing education policy.
KNUT Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno reveals that the current CBA will expire on 30th June this year and the teachers were expected to negotiate for a new term of service.
The new CBA, which is currently under review by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for advisory, is expected to take effect from 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 said they would not accept anything less than their proposed figure, threatening to go for industrial action if TSC fails to meet their demands.
“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 Teacher’s Service Commission should take us seriously,” Otieno said.
The Union has also faulted the government for scrapping hardship allowances in some areas, a move that has affected a number of their members and called on TSC to focus more on the welfare of the teachers.
On capitation for free primary education, he asked the government to set aside enough funds and follow the set rules of disbursing 50 per cent in the first term, 30 per cent in the second term and 20 per cent on the third term for the smooth running of school activities.
KNUT first Vice Chairman Joseph Langat expressed concerns over insecurity cases in some parts of the country, especially the Kerio Valley region of Elgeyo-Marakwet county, which is affecting all sectors, including education and called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to enhance security in the area in a bid 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.
By Mutai Kipngetich
