Written by Were Kelly
Nairobi, Kenya – June 10, 2025 — Tensions are mounting between teachers’ unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) after union leaders accused the commission of failing to act on critical salary proposals.
With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) set to expire in just three weeks, officials warn that public education in Kenya may soon face disruption if negotiations do not begin immediately.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet) have all expressed frustration at what they describe as deliberate inaction by the TSC.
Despite submitting proposals for the 2025–2029 CBA months ago, union leaders say they have yet to receive a substantive response.
Knut Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno accused the commission of avoiding negotiations by citing pending advice from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
He stated that Knut had tabled comprehensive proposals that include a 60 percent increase in basic pay, a 30 percent rise in allowances, and a revision of the Career Progression Guidelines to start new teachers at Grade C1 instead of B5.
The union also seeks merit-based promotions, improved sick leave policies, and fairer medical exit terms.
Kusnet, whose members include teachers for learners with special needs, reported similar concerns.
Secretary-General James Torome said that although TSC acknowledged receipt of their proposals as far back as July 2024, no talks have been scheduled.
Kusnet is advocating for a 40 percent salary increase for senior administrators (Grades D1–D5) and a 50 percent rise for teachers in lower job groups (B5–C5).
The union is also calling for a Sh15,000 monthly risk allowance, an annual uniform allowance of the same amount, and a 50 percent increase in other allowances. Kusnet has also insisted that any revisions to hardship area classifications must go through the courts.
Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori was equally critical of the TSC’s silence, arguing that the commission is fully operational under Acting CEO Evaleen Jesang Mitei and therefore has no excuse for delays.
Kuppet is demanding a salary increase ranging from 30 to 70 percent and a doubling of certain allowances.
The union also wants to see the CBA cycle reduced from four years to two, automatic promotions up to the deputy principal level, and separate promotion tracks for administrative and non-administrative roles.
Additional proposals include per diem allowances, harmonised housing benefits for teachers in rural areas, and postgraduate incentives.
The unions’ concerns have been exacerbated by the government’s 2025–2026 budget, which makes no provision for a new CBA.
Cheptumo Ayabei, the TSC’s Director of Finance, confirmed during a presentation to the National Assembly Education Committee that there is no funding allocated for ongoing negotiations.
This has only deepened fears that the commission is not taking the matter seriously.
“The fact that there is no allocation for the CBA currently under negotiation is a major concern,” said Ayabei.
Union leaders argue that teachers have been patient long enough. They note that the last CBA was signed under the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that the economy has recovered, improved remuneration and conditions are overdue.
With the deadline fast approaching, all three unions have warned that unless the TSC initiates formal talks immediately, industrial action may become inevitable.
“It’s no longer about patience—it’s about dignity and fairness,” said Misori. “The time for excuses is over. Teachers deserve to be heard and respected.”
