KNUT Issues Strike Notice After CBA Talks With TSC Collapse
Talks between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have collapsed after the commission reportedly rejected core union demands related to salary increments and improved allowances in the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Following the deadlock, KNUT has issued a seven-day strike notice, warning that public school operations across the country will be disrupted starting Monday, July 7, unless the TSC addresses their grievances.
Speaking during a press conference after the failed negotiations at TSC headquarters on Tuesday, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu expressed frustration over the commission’s refusal to commit to monetary adjustments.
“We are looking forward to the demands we gave. Teachers of Kenya are not prepared to receive a non-monetary CBA as it has been in the recent past,” Oyuu declared.
Union Demands and CBA Stalemate
KNUT has demanded:
- A 60% minimum salary increase
- A 30% general increment in allowances
- A transparent promotion framework for all teachers, including non-administrative staff
The union contends that the previous CBA expired on June 30, 2025, and that the commission failed to table meaningful counter-proposals during Tuesday’s talks.
TSC had earlier invited KNUT for a consultative session through a letter dated June 24, 2025. However, the session reportedly ended without progress, prompting KNUT to escalate the matter.
KUPPET Also Threatens Action
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has echoed KNUT’s grievances and previously warned of potential action.
KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba, in a June 21 press briefing, said the commission had until June 28 to initiate CBA discussions. He also urged the Ministry of Labour to intervene.
“TSC should invite us for talks. The other person who should also be involved is the Labour Cabinet Secretary,” Milemba stated.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori reinforced the importance of the new CBA, saying it should address long-standing concerns over teacher welfare.
“The new CBA is key. It is meant to cater to the well-being of teachers and motivate them,” Misori said.
National Learning at Risk
With both KNUT and KUPPET now threatening to down tools, public learning institutions across the country face the risk of widespread disruption beginning next week. The education sector, already grappling with resource and staffing challenges, could be severely impacted if the impasse continues.
