KNUT’s Demands for the New CBA 2025–2029 CBA Negotiations
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a firm seven-day ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), demanding the immediate commencement of negotiations for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This comes as tensions rise between teachers and their employer following the expiration of the previous CBA on June 30, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday, July 1, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu accused TSC of dragging its feet despite several reminders and formal engagements. According to Oyuu, the union is frustrated that the commission has yet to engage them meaningfully on the terms of the new CBA.
KNUT’s Demands for the New CBA
KNUT is calling for significant salary and allowance reviews under the new agreement. The union’s key demands include:
- A 60% increase in basic salary across all teaching grades.
- A 30% increment in allowances, including commuter, housing, and hardship allowances.
- Clear and fair promotion pathways for non-administrative teachers.
KNUT has explicitly rejected any form of non-monetary CBA, citing past agreements that failed to deliver tangible benefits to teachers. “We’ve had non-monetary CBAs before, and they amounted to empty promises. Teachers deserve real change, not rhetoric,” said Oyuu.
Breakdown in Dialogue with TSC
The union’s ultimatum follows a stalled consultative meeting with TSC officials, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Nairobi on July 1. Despite being formally invited by TSC via a letter dated June 24, the discussions reportedly failed to move forward as TSC declined to address KNUT’s proposed CBA terms.
KNUT now demands that TSC must convene formal talks within seven days—failure to do so will trigger a nationwide teachers’ strike scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025. If the strike proceeds, it will paralyze learning activities in thousands of public primary and secondary schools across the country.
Broader Union Support and Escalating Pressure
KNUT’s stance aligns with growing frustration across the teaching sector. On June 21, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) had also issued a seven-day warning to TSC, demanding the immediate opening of negotiations for the 2025–2029 CBA.
KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba emphasized that the Labour Cabinet Secretary must be involved in overseeing the negotiations to prevent further delays. “The Ministry of Labour should compel TSC to convene these talks urgently,” said Milemba.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori echoed the sentiment, stressing that the upcoming CBA is pivotal for boosting teacher morale and resolving long-standing grievances.
Previous CBAs and Current Discontent
The teachers’ unions are pushing back against what they describe as a repetitive cycle of underwhelming CBAs that offer minimal benefits. The previous CBA cycle was marred by delays, non-implementation of some provisions, and disputes over promotions.
KNUT has specifically criticized the lack of progress in addressing stagnant pay, inequality in allowances, and limited opportunities for career advancement—especially for classroom teachers.
Key Issues in Focus
The 2025–2029 CBA negotiations are expected to address a wide array of concerns:
- Remuneration adjustments to match rising inflation and the increased cost of living.
- Recognition of teachers in acting positions, especially those who have held leadership roles for extended periods without formal promotion.
- Allowances review, including hardship areas, risk allowances for science and technical subject teachers, and leave entitlements.
- Timely and fair promotions based on merit and service, not bureaucratic delays.
Government’s Position and Budget Constraints
While the national government, under President William Ruto, has committed to improving education outcomes and teacher welfare, financial constraints may complicate the salary review process. The recently tabled national budget did not explicitly allocate funds for teacher salary increases, raising concerns that the new CBA might face funding hurdles.
However, the Treasury is expected to implement the CBA through a supplementary budget, which could be introduced after the conclusion of the negotiation process.
What Happens Next?
With both KNUT and KUPPET firmly united in their demands, TSC is under increasing pressure to act swiftly. Teachers across the country are closely monitoring developments, hopeful that the upcoming CBA will bring long-awaited reforms.
If TSC fails to initiate talks within the stipulated seven days, KNUT has vowed to mobilize its members for industrial action beginning July 7, effectively shutting down public education services.
The ball is now in TSC’s court. The Commission must decide whether to heed the unions’ demands or risk nationwide disruptions in the education sector. For now, teachers remain united, determined, and ready to fight for better pay, promotions, and professional dignity.
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