KNUT in talks with government amid fears of a nationwide teachers strike

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) met with Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, on Tuesday, amid mounting concerns over a nationwide teachers' strike. The key meeting was called to address growing concerns about the slow implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

KNUT's high-level delegation, including Secretary General Collins Oyuu and National Chairman Patrick Munuhe, presented pressing issues related to the delay in the second phase of the 2021 CBA. This phase, which was expected to introduce a salary increase of seven to nine per cent, remains unfulfilled, raising significant concerns among educators nationwide.

On August 7, KNUT and its counterpart, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), served a seven-day notice to the government to resolve their concerns. They threatened that if their demands were not granted, teachers would strike on August 26.

Unions are requesting that the 2021-2025 CBA be fully enforced. The unions' agreements with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) were signed in June 2021 and revised in August 2023.

The unions have accused TSC of breaching the agreement by not implementing the second phase of the Addendum, which was due to start on July 1, 2024. This phase includes adjustments to basic salaries and allowances for all teachers.

In addition, KNUT and Kuppet want 130,000 teachers who have been stagnating in their posts to be promoted, as well as hire 20,000 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, to solve a shortage in junior secondary schools.

The meeting also covered issues regarding the teachers' medical scheme, non-remittance of Sacco and loan deductions, and delays in retirement benefit payments.

Mutua assured the union leaders of his commitment to resolving these problems and pledged to work with other government officials to address their concerns.

"I assured the union leaders of my dedication to resolving these issues quickly. I also committed to collaborating with my Cabinet colleagues and other relevant government entities to address their concerns," Mutua stated on his Facebook account.

Mutua emphasised that the meeting was part of the government's broader efforts to protect workers' interests and maintain industrial harmony.

Concerns have been raised that teachers may not receive the compensation increases stated in their CBA due to a Sh10.2 billion reduction in the TSC's recurrent budget. The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, chaired by Julius Melly, has warned that the budget cut may result in strikes, disturbances in public schools, and legal battles.

The group stated that the government would want to minimise industrial disturbance, especially given the current national crisis. They emphasised the importance of restoring budget allocations to avoid potential workforce issues.

Mutua added that he would schedule another meeting with KNUT leaders within a week to examine developments and continue negotiations about ensuring industrial peace.