The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is considering taking industrial action, possibly a strike, to push the government into fulfilling its promises made in the 2021-2025 Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA).
The union, which represents teachers across Kenya, is frustrated by what it describes as the government's failure to meet agreed-upon terms, particularly concerning salary payments.
On August 6, 2024, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu addressed the media at the union's offices in Nairobi. He expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the CBA, which was supposed to be implemented in two phases.
According to Oyuu, while the first phase of the agreement was honored and paid out in July 2023, the second phase, which was due in July 2024, has yet to be fulfilled.
“It is well known that there are serious issues within the teaching profession,” Oyuu said. “We agreed last year on an amendment to the CBA that was to be carried out in two phases. Phase one was paid in July 2023, and phase two was to be paid in July 2024. Unfortunately, this has not happened.”
The CBA was intended to address various concerns within the teaching profession, including salary increases and other benefits. The agreement was meant to enhance the financial well-being of teachers and improve working conditions.
However, the lack of implementation of the second phase has left many teachers feeling disillusioned and undervalued.
KNUT has made several attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), which is responsible for managing teachers' salaries and working conditions.
On August 7, 2024, a meeting has been scheduled between KNUT officials and TSC representatives to discuss the grievances raised by the union.
Oyuu stressed that if these discussions do not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the union will be left with no choice but to proceed with industrial action.
“We have already issued a strike notice to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour,” Oyuu explained. “This is a necessary step in calling for a legal strike, should the talks not yield results. We will also seek ratification from our national executive council for a nationwide strike if required.”
The idea of striking is a significant step for the union and reflects the gravity of the situation. Teachers across Kenya are growing increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as broken promises and a lack of respect for their profession.
The union believes that third term, which begins just before schools reopen, would be the most effective time to press for their demands, hoping to draw attention to their plight and prompt the government to act.
Oyuu and other KNUT officials have voiced their disappointment over what they see as the government's disregard for the teaching profession.
“Is it a crime to become a teacher? Is it a sin to become a teacher? This is a noble profession, and yet it feels like it is being taken lightly,” Oyuu lamented.
In addition to the salary issues, there have been concerns about deductions that have not been remitted to banks, affecting teachers' financial stability.
Oyuu questioned where the promised funds from the CBA agreement have gone and called for transparency and accountability from the relevant authorities.
The teaching profession is essential for the development and future of the nation, yet it appears that the concerns of those in this field are not being given the attention they deserve.
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