KNUT issues seven-day strike notice after talks with TSC over CBA collapse
Following the failed talks with the TSC on Tuesday, KNUT has issued a seven-day strike notice, warning of nationwide disruption in public schools starting Monday, July 7, if its grievances remain unresolved.
Talks between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have failed to yield consensus after the commission reportedly rejected key union demands, including a salary increase and improved allowances.
Following the failed talks at the TSC headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday, KNUT has issued a seven-day strike notice, warning of nationwide disruption in public schools starting Monday, July 7, if its grievances remain unresolved.
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Led by Secretary General Collins Oyuu, KNUT expressed disappointment over the commission’s alleged refusal to address their proposals for the 2025–2029 CBA.
“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 said during a press briefing shortly after the talks collapsed.
The union had presented several demands to TSC, including a 60 per cent minimum salary increment, a 30 per cent general increase in all allowances, and a well-defined promotion framework, particularly for teachers who do not hold administrative positions.
Oyuu criticised TSC for allegedly declining to engage on these matters, even after the previous CBA lapsed on June 30, 2025.
The standoff comes a week after TSC formally invited KNUT for negotiations following prolonged delays.
In a letter dated June 24, the commission wrote: “The Commission invites you to a consultative meeting on CBA 2025–2029 on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Commission Chairman’s Boardroom—3rd floor, Tower building.”
Despite the invite, the talks failed to progress after the commission reportedly turned down the union’s core demands, prompting KNUT to issue the seven-day strike notice.
The looming industrial action mirrors a similar warning issued previously by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), which also raised concerns over the delayed CBA negotiations.
Addressing the press on June 21, KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba warned that the union had given the commission until June 28 to invite them for talks.
“TSC should invite us for talks. The other person who should also be involved is the Labour Cabinet Secretary, who should ensure that TSC convenes the talks immediately,” Milemba said.
His remarks were supported by KUPPET Secretary General, Akello Misori, who stressed the importance of the new agreement in addressing long-standing issues affecting teachers’ welfare.
“The new CBA is key. It is meant to cater to the well-being of teachers and motivate them,” Misori said.
Both unions maintained that unless their demands are addressed urgently, learning in public institutions will be paralysed starting next week.
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