Teachers across the country are preparing for possible salary increases as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) begins talks with teachers’ unions regarding the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
TSC has invited the three main unions — KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET — for negotiations starting early next week. The discussions are expected to result in a pay rise to be reflected in the July payroll. The government, through TSC, will present a salary offer as part of the negotiation process.
The talks will start on July 1st with KNUT meeting TSC at its Upper Hill offices, followed by KUPPET on July 2nd at the same venue. KUPPET is pushing for a salary raise of Ksh 29,787 for the lowest-paid teachers in job group B5, currently earning Ksh 23,830, with the goal of doubling the amount to Ksh 47,660 over four years.
Eveleen Mitei, acting CEO of TSC, will lead the talks, standing in for outgoing CEO Nancy Macharia, who retires on June 30th. Mitei’s invitation to the unions comes shortly after KUPPET issued a seven-day strike notice due to stalled CBA negotiations.
The current CBA expires on June 30th, and a new agreement is required for any pay increase. Teachers had expressed concern after the national budget was announced without provisions for salary adjustments. However, the Treasury is expected to implement the new CBA through a supplementary budget.
KNUT is demanding a 60% increase in basic salaries over four years, along with a 30% rise in allowances. The union also wants increased hardship allowances and a joint review process for areas classified as hardship zones.
According to KNUT’s proposal, hardship areas should be reviewed periodically, and any changes must be communicated in writing three months in advance. Hardship areas typically involve difficult conditions like remoteness, poor infrastructure, and insecurity.
KNUT is also calling for a 10% risk allowance for teachers handling science and technical subjects, with eligibility to be reviewed jointly by TSC and the union.
On leave entitlements, KNUT proposes that teachers be granted 30 working days of paid annual leave after 12 months of service, while new hires receive leave on a pro-rata basis. Leave timing should suit the employer but also consider the teacher’s situation. Delays of more than two months require the teacher’s consent, and any unused leave due to employer postponement must be taken the following year.
For sick leave, KNUT proposes that teachers be entitled to a one-year paid sick leave after two months of service, with the first 180 days fully paid and the remaining 180 days at half pay. Teachers must notify the employer within 48 hours of sickness and apply online. No teacher should be dismissed due to illness without their consent.
Additionally, KNUT wants teachers to receive convalescent leave — time off recommended by a medical professional to allow for recovery from illness or injury before resuming full duties