Confirm 46,000 teachers by 2025 or face consequences - KNUT warns TSC

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has demanded the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms by January 2025.

KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu warned of serious consequences if the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) fails to act.

"The 46,000 interns must be confirmed as permanent and pensionable by January next year. If not, hell might break loose," he said on Saturday while in Likuyani.

Oyuu emphasised the union's call for the immediate implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which KNUT presented in a recent memorandum to TSC.

He stressed that the confirmation of interns is part of the CBA's second phase, which he described as offering "double benefits" for teachers.

"The labour issue was among the key matters we raised with TSC. The second phase of the CBA must be implemented without delay," he said.

In addition to demanding the interns' confirmation, Oyuu reiterated the importance of enforcing the 2021 CBA, arguing that it would create room for further negotiations on a new CBA.

"We have presented a memorandum to TSC, and we want to ensure that this time it will not be a 'maternity' CBA," he asserted.

Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia. (Photo: TSC)

The SG also called on the government to release the remaining Sh1 billion allocated for teacher salary increments, urging prompt disbursement to TSC.

He stated, "We must release the funds so that the agreed-upon salary adjustments can occur."

The threat comes a few weeks after KNUT called off its nationwide strike following a meeting with its National Executive Council (NEC), which noted that it was engaging with the government on the way forward.

"The NEC has, therefore, today, August 25, 2024, agreed to withdraw the strike action notice that was elapsing midnight, August 25, 2024, since we have commenced addressing the remaining matters administratively. In light of the latest developments, we direct our teachers to resume duty effective Monday, August 26, 2024," Oyuu said.

Despite KNUT's decision to end their strike, Oyuu expressed optimism that the government would meet their demands in good faith, despite some unsatisfactory steps.

Key demands include the permanent employment of 46,000 junior secondary school (JSS) teachers, the promotion of 130,000 teachers, and the immediate implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 amended CBA. Additionally, the union called for the immediate remittance of third-party deductions owed to various organisations.

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) continued their strike for another week before calling it off during the second week. The industrial action, which began on June 26, 2024, caused significant disruptions, with many schools sending students home due to the lack of teachers.

A file picture of Akello Misori, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). (Photo: Handout)

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori instructed teachers to return to class, pending the "speedy resolution of the matters" agreed upon with their employer.

However, a day later, KUPPET’s regional leaders condemned Misori's decision, accusing him of calling off the strike without proper consultation.

The teachers termed the move a betrayal, criticising the leadership for failing to address key issues like the stagnation of teachers in various job groups.