KUPPET Reaches Deal with TSC on 2025–2029 Teacher CBA as KNUT Pushes for More Demands
KUPPET Reaches Deal with TSC on 2025–2029 Teacher CBA as KNUT Pushes for More Demands
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has reached an agreement with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This development came after a high-level consultative meeting with KUPPET’s National Governing Council held on July 11 at Kasarani Sportsview Hotel, Nairobi.
The union had summoned all branch secretaries to receive official updates from its national officials following their engagement with TSC.
“This meeting is vital for ensuring a coordinated message on the latest developments. Our goal is to promote unity and clear communication on matters affecting our members,” said Akelo Misori, KUPPET Secretary-General, in a letter to council members.
Agreement Reached After Expiry of Previous CBA
The previous CBA (2021–2025) expired on June 30, 2025. Therefore, salary increases for teachers are dependent on the signing of a new agreement.
During the meeting, KUPPET confirmed that it had reached consensus with TSC on the major terms of the proposed CBA. The agreement aims to improve compensation, career progression, and welfare for teachers.
Key Wins in the 2025–2029 KUPPET–TSC CBA Deal
Here are the highlights of what the new deal includes:
1. Salary Review Across Job Groups
KUPPET has secured:
- A 100% pay rise for the lowest-paid teachers in Job Group B5, increasing their basic salary from Sh23,830 to Sh47,660.
- A 50% increase for those in Job Group D5, the highest salary band.
2. Classroom Teachers to Benefit More
The union emphasized its intent to prioritize classroom teachers, aiming to reduce pay disparities between them and administrative staff.
3. Enhanced Allowances
The new CBA provides:
- Harmonized house allowances across all counties.
- Increased commuter, leave, and risk allowances.
- Full recognition of teachers working in hardship areas.
4. Promotion & Career Growth Reforms
KUPPET negotiated for:
- Automatic promotions based on service years and qualifications.
- Collapsing job clusters, especially C4 and C5.
- A larger promotion budget, raised from Ksh 1 billion to Ksh 1.7 billion.
5. Recognition of Intern Service
Intern teachers from the January and September 2023 cohorts will now have their service counted towards promotion and permanent employment.
6. Teacher Welfare Improvements
The union also secured:
- Reforms in Minet insurance services.
- A six-month salary buffer for teachers whose spouses pass away.
- Non-voluntary transfers to come with financial compensation.
7. Voluntary Exam Duties
KUPPET has opposed forced participation in KNEC exam supervision or invigilation, advocating for voluntary involvement instead.
8. Union Inclusivity Reforms
Plans are underway to amend KUPPET’s constitution to improve representation of youth, women, PWDs, and minorities within union leadership.
SRC Ruling Adds Pressure
Despite the agreement, a recent Supreme Court ruling could affect the CBA implementation. The Court reaffirmed that only the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) holds final authority on salaries for public officers. All CBAs must now align with SRC advisories.
The SRC had earlier cautioned against increasing public sector wages, citing the unsustainable wage bill. However, KUPPET maintains that rising inflation and living costs justify the upward salary review.
KNUT Still Pushing for a Better Deal
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is yet to reach an agreement with TSC. The union is demanding:
- A 60% increase in basic salary over four years.
- A 30% boost in allowances.
- Improved hardship and risk allowances.
KNUT’s talks with TSC ended without a formal offer. Consequently, the union issued a seven-day strike notice, which expired on July 8. However, TSC has not responded, and KNUT appears to have pulled back from the strike plan—for now.
KNUT’s Additional CBA Proposals
KNUT has proposed several welfare-focused changes for inclusion in the 2025–2029 CBA:
1. Hardship Areas
- Hardship classification should be jointly reviewed by TSC and the union.
- A three-month notice must be issued before any area is reclassified.
2. Risk Allowance for Science & Technical Teachers
- A 10% monthly risk allowance for teachers handling science and technical subjects.
- Periodic reviews to adjust eligibility and rates.
3. Annual Leave
- Teachers will be entitled to 30 working days of paid leave after 12 months of service.
- New recruits will receive leave on a pro-rata basis.
- Leave must be taken at a mutually convenient time, and cannot be delayed more than two months without consent.
4. Sick Leave & Convalescent Leave
- After two months of continuous service, teachers will qualify for one-year sick leave:
- 180 days with full pay
- 180 days with half pay
- A medical certificate must be submitted within 48 hours of absence.
- Convalescent leave will be granted when advised by a certified medical practitioner to allow full recovery.
While KUPPET has sealed a deal, all eyes are now on KNUT and TSC to see if a compromise will be reached. The outcome will determine how fairly both primary and secondary school teachers are compensated in the coming years.
Stay with Jobs Daily for timely updates on teacher salaries, CBA news, and union negotiations in Kenya.
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