KNUT- The main Demanding Ahead of August 26 Teachers Strike
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has recently intensified its efforts to address the ongoing issues surrounding the implementation of the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2021-2025. Despite the CBA outlining specific salary increments for teachers, the agreed-upon awards were notably absent from the July 2024 pay slips. This discrepancy has led to significant unrest among educators, with KNUT taking decisive steps to push for the agreement’s full implementation.
On August 5, 2024, KNUT formally reached out to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the matter. The letter (Ref: KNUT/TSC/60/62/2024) proposed a meeting on August 7, 2024, to resolve the issues. In response, TSC acknowledged the request the next day (Ref: TSC/LLIR/KNUT/33/VOL X/40), but instead of setting a date for the meeting, they indicated that internal consultations were needed first. However, as days passed without any further communication from TSC, KNUT’s concerns grew.
In light of the Commission’s silence, KNUT sent a follow-up letter on August 12, 2024 (Ref: KNUT/TSC/60/66/2024), reiterating the need for a meeting and highlighting several other critical issues that required immediate attention. Among the unresolved issues were delayed third-party deductions, employment and promotion concerns, and significant problems related to the teachers’ medical cover.
Critical Issues Highlighted by KNUT
One of the most pressing concerns raised by KNUT is the failure to remit third-party deductions. Over the past five months, teachers have not seen their bank loan deductions, SACCO savings, or contributions to various funds like the Burial and Benevolence Fund and the Teachers Education Fund remitted. Additionally, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions have also been pending for the same period. This failure has led to severe financial repercussions for teachers, including non-compliance penalties and the risk of being negatively listed on the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) due to defaults.
KNUT has also demanded the immediate conversion of 46,000 Junior School teachers to permanent and pensionable terms and the recruitment of an additional 20,000 teachers. The union has also pushed for the promotion of 130,000 teachers who have been stagnant in their positions, despite having been shortlisted and interviewed for new grades in 2023.
Another major concern is the teachers’ medical cover. The union has expressed grave concerns over the delayed remittance of capitation to the Medical Insurer, which has resulted in unpaid service providers and, consequently, a lack of medical services for teachers and their families. The situation has been further exacerbated by the reduction of the teachers’ medical cover budget by Ksh 11.9 billion through the Appropriation Act 2024/2025, which threatens to cut the benefits available under the medical scheme by 50%. This budget cut jeopardizes the third year of the medical cover, scheduled to begin on December 3, 2024, potentially leaving teachers without adequate medical protection.
TSC’s Inaction and the Threat of Industrial Action
TSC’s reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue and its failure to address these critical issues have led KNUT to escalate the matter. On August 14, 2024, the union formally registered a labor dispute with the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection (Ref: KNUT/LAB/52/14/2024), in accordance with Section 62 of the Labour Relations Act 2007. This move underscores KNUT’s determination to seek resolution through the legal frameworks governing labor relations in Kenya.
The growing frustration among teachers has reached a tipping point. On August 16, 2024, the National Executive Council (NEC) of KNUT reviewed the unresolved issues and directed the Secretary General to prepare a strike notice, effective midnight, August 25, 2024. The union has called for a total withdrawal of labor across all schools in the Republic until the matters are fully resolved. This strike, if it proceeds, will affect all 110 branches of KNUT, potentially leading to a significant disruption in the education sector.
The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches, with both teachers and the government awaiting the next steps. KNUT’s actions reflect a deep dissatisfaction with TSC’s handling of the CBA and related grievances, and unless swift action is taken, the country could face widespread educational disruptions.
