Talks between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the country’s major teachers’ unions have ended in disarray, leading to a scheduled nationwide strike starting on Monday, August 26, 2024. Representatives from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) confirmed the decision to go on strike after rejecting the latest offer from the TSC.
Negotiations, which took place at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, saw the TSC propose the implementation of Phase II of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). However, the unions rejected the offer, citing that it failed to address their key demands, which include improved pay and better working conditions.
Union leaders expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the TSC’s position. As a result, all teachers nationwide will down their tools starting Monday, causing a likely disruption to learning across the country.
The strike comes at a critical juncture, raising concerns about its potential impact on students, especially as the new school term is set to begin. Both Kuppet and Knut have called on the government to intervene and address the teachers’ grievances urgently to avoid the planned industrial action.
Failed Crisis Talks
Efforts to resolve the pay dispute have been underway, with the government seeking to avoid a disruption in the education sector. However, sources indicate that crisis talks earlier this week involving officials from the Ministry of Labour, National Treasury, and Ministry of Education, alongside TSC bosses, failed to yield a solution. Meetings between these officials and union leaders were expected to continue, but so far, no resolution has been reached.
The teachers’ unions are demanding the release of Sh13.3 billion for the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA, which they argue was not factored into the national budget. The unions have also made it clear that they will not call off the strike unless negotiations for the 2026-2030 CBA commence immediately.
Unions’ Stance
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu emphasized the unions’ resolve during a public address in Nandi East’s Tinderet Constituency on Sunday. “We demand that the money be made available for the implementation of the CBA and that salary arrears for July and August be included in the teachers’ pay,” he stated. He also warned that teachers would not report to work when schools reopen next week unless their demands are fully met.
“We made it clear from the beginning of the budget-making process, even during the adjustments after the Finance Bill 2024 was rejected, that the Sh13.3 billion must be provided for the implementation of the CBA. However, Parliament, the Treasury, and TSC did not factor it in,” said Mr. Oyuu.
With the unions standing firm, the government faces increasing pressure to resolve the dispute to avoid a nationwide strike that could severely disrupt the education system.
About the Author
