KNUT defends new CBA as teachers protest small pay rise
He pointed out that in the 2021–2025 CBA, teachers had secured no salary increments, receiving only paternity and maternity benefits as Covid-19 disrupted talks.
The new 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has triggered mixed reactions, with union Secretary-General Collins Oyuu defending it while some teachers argue it falls short.
Speaking at the Eldoret West branch annual general meeting on Saturday, Oyuu said the agreement was a step forward for teachers, highlighting both monetary gains and career growth opportunities.
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He maintained that despite the challenges in the economy, the deal was worth celebrating.
“What needs to be understood is that this is a push and pull. The CBA has two components- monetary value and career progression guidelines- and we emerged victorious compared to previous negotiations. Let’s appreciate the little we received,” Oyuu said.
He pointed out that in the 2021–2025 CBA, teachers had secured no salary increments, receiving only paternity and maternity benefits as Covid-19 disrupted talks.
“The recent negotiations are therefore a victory,” Oyuu said.
According to Oyuu, the pay rise will be implemented gradually over the four-year period, giving members cumulative gains.
He assured teachers that hardship allowance and gazetted hardship areas would remain untouched throughout the CBA cycle.
Oyuu also demanded reforms to the Code of Regulations for Teachers, which he said was punitive in matters of promotion.
“Job evaluation for teachers needs to be fair, and promotion should be based on merit to motivate teachers to deliver,” he said.
On health benefits, Oyuu stressed that the Minet medical scheme should remain in place, saying the Social Health Authority lacks the stability to deliver reliable services for teachers.
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