Teachers threaten strike over stalled salary talks
By Mercy Kachenge, July 2, 2025Teachers have threatened to go on strike if the government does not agree to increase their pay.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) on July 1, 2025, issued a seven-day notice demanding that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) present its formal counter-offer for the Collective Bargaining Agreement or face industrial action.
The union accuses TSC of failing to present a counter-offer for the 2025–2029 CBA, which was expected to begin on July 1.
Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu expressed deep frustration over what he termed “deliberate delaying tactics” by the teachers’ employer.
“We came ready. Teachers were hopeful, but TSC was not ready for the deliberation,” Oyuu said after a meeting with TSC officials that failed to yield results.
Salary demands
The union said it submitted its CBA proposals in accordance with the law, expecting TSC to respond after seeking advice from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
However, yesterday’s meeting yielded no progress, as the TSC arrived empty-handed.
“Our members feel betrayed, and teachers cannot work under broken promises,” Oyuu said.
The union is demanding a 60 per cent salary increase in the 2025–2029 CBA, which was supposed to take effect after the previous agreement expired.
KNUT emphasised that the new CBA must have both monetary and non-monetary components, calling the failure to deliver on this date not just unprofessional, but disrespectful to the teaching fraternity.
“The 2021–2025 CBA expired yesterday. Today marks a new cycle, but there is nothing on the table. That is unacceptable,” Oyuu stated.
Oyuu explained that teachers have waited patiently through a previous “cashless CBA” and are now united in demanding meaningful, monetary compensation.
“We are not accepting anything less than a 60 per cent salary increment and are demanding that all existing allowances be increased by 30 per cent. This is fair, overdue, and necessary,” said Oyuu.
“This is not 2021,” Oyuu said firmly. “We will not accept a cashless CBA. Teachers deserve both monetary and non-monetary terms, and we will not settle for less.”
“We’re done playing nice. This isn’t just a negotiation. It’s about dignity, justice, and the future of education in Kenya.”
He said teachers had placed their hopes on the July 1 meeting, with thousands sending messages of encouragement urging the union not to repeat the “mistakes of 2021 when a controversial, cashless CBA was signed under pressure.”
“This time, there will be no compromise. Teachers are watching. And we are ready,” he declared.
Broader issues
KNUT has also raised concerns over multiple unresolved issues affecting teachers, including the contentious Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), which the union insists must either be scrapped or substantially amended.
“Teachers have been targeted and demoralised under the current CPG system,” said the Secretary General. “It is time for a serious review.”
Other key issues in the union’s demands include medical coverage, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and the professional development framework.
“Teacher welfare is not negotiable. It goes beyond salaries—it is about dignity, structure, and long-term growth,” he stated.
‘Stronger position’
“We are no longer 9,000 members as we were in 2021. We are stronger, more united, and more alert. If the TSC thinks it can sideline teachers again, it is mistaken. We will not be ambushed this time,” Oyuu declared.
The union stressed that it seeks dialogue, not confrontation, but warned that it will not hesitate to act if teachers’ rights and expectations are ignored.
While KNUT acknowledges the complexity of the demands, the union maintains that all are crucial and cannot be ignored.
“This is a comprehensive document, and its details are accessible to all. The webcast of our briefing is available free for transparency,” the union stated.
KNUT is now demanding that the TSC return to the negotiating table within seven days, this time with a formal counter-offer informed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) advisory.
If not, the union has vowed to mobilise its membership for nationwide industrial action.