Knut seeks sabbatical leave for teachers pursuing political, academic goals

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) is calling for the teachers' employer to grant sabbatical leave, enabling educators to pursue academic research and political positions during general elections.

First National Vice Chairman Malel Langat emphasised that teachers should not lose their jobs or benefits while seeking professional growth or political ambitions.

"Teachers should not be punished for seeking elective positions. Like those in the private sector, they should be allowed to take leave and return to work if they fail to secure the positions," Langat said earlier this week.

The push for sabbatical leave addresses the difficulties teachers encounter when conducting academic research.

Many educators, including published authors whose works are used in school curriculums, struggle to balance teaching responsibilities with their academic pursuits due to limited study leave options.

Typically, teachers wishing to further their education abroad are forced to resign. "Some teachers are published authors, and their work is used in schools. They should be accorded leave to conduct research without the fear of losing their jobs," Langat added.

Currently, teachers are entitled to various types of leave, including 120 days of maternity leave, 21 days of paternity leave, and six months of sick leave, with specific pay conditions.

Special leave is granted for overseas assignments, study leave for graduate teachers pursuing postgraduate studies, and leave for trade union duties after the election.

However, the existing regulations restrict study leave to graduate teachers, leaving P1 teachers with diploma certificates unable to upgrade their qualifications through this option.

Langat asserted that ambition should not be discouraged among teachers. As part of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Knut is also advocating for an extension of sick leave from six months to 12 months with full pay.

The current CBA, which runs from 2021 to 2024, is set to expire at the end of this year, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) initiating negotiations with trade unions expected to conclude by December.