Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a stern warning that it will disrupt learning in schools across the country if the negotiated benefits under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are not reflected in teachers’ July payslips.

The union, led by its Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, on July 25, 2025, emphasised the importance of financial improvements in teachers’ welfare.

“We value increments that boost our payslips, and any attempts to derail this will be met with strong resistance,” said Oyuu.

On July 18, 2025, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) presented a counteroffer to KNUT’s demands under the CBA.

“We succeeded in pushing for an increase from 12 per cent to 29.5 per cent,” said Oyuu, noting that, given the state of the country’s economy, this was a significant victory for the union.

“We feared it could turn out like the cashless period of 2021–2025, but through aggressive engagement and determination, we secured meaningful gains,” he said.

“I want to make it clear to all teachers: the CBA for 2025–2029 includes a monetary increment of up to 29.5 per cent.”

Speaking during Rarieda Education Day at Chianda High School on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Oyuu stated that the funds must be reflected in the July 2025 payslips.

“We expect to see the changes by July 31. If not, we will take action to compel those in authority to listen to us,” he warned.

“I urge every teacher to check their payslip. If there’s no increment, inform us immediately. Without that increment, it will not be business as usual,” he added.

Oyuu also addressed non-monetary components of the CBA, noting that some of the allowances granted were underwhelming.

“What we got in terms of allowances is negligible, and I will communicate this through branch secretaries so that all teachers are aware,” he said.

In a significant shift, Oyuu announced that teachers dismissed near retirement age will no longer lose their pension. Previously, interdicted teachers—even those aged 59 years and 10 months—left without any benefits.

“Now, under the new CBA, a teacher will receive their pension even if dismissed after many years of service. That’s a major achievement,” said Oyuu.

He further cautioned teachers against inappropriate relationships with students, noting that such misconduct was a leading cause of interdiction. “This must stop,” he said firmly.

Oyuu also criticised teachers struggling with alcohol addiction, stating, “Teachers are role models in society. Anything that damages their reputation must be addressed.”

His remarks came just 15 days after Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok called for the arrest and prosecution of a teacher from Alliance Girls’ High School, who was accused of grooming and engaging in sexual relations with students.

Speaking at a Thanksgiving event at Kapkoros Barngetuny Secondary School in Nandi County, PS Bitok confirmed that the Ministry of Education had engaged the TSC and law enforcement to ensure the implicated teacher is interdicted and brought to justice.

Bitok reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting learners and ensuring that schools remain safe and secure.

“We will not condone any behaviour where teachers or school stakeholders take advantage of our children,” said Bitok.

“We strongly condemn any form of sexual exploitation in schools. It will not be tolerated.”

His remarks followed public outrage sparked by an Africa Uncensored exposé, which accused a long-serving teacher and Christian Union patron of grooming students as early as 2018, including arranging private dinners and using spiritual authority to manipulate them.

ing figures on domestic travel, particularly in counties like Tana River, which spent Ksh479 million—Ksh187.62 million by the County Assembly and Ksh291.97 million by the Executive.

In the previous financial year (2023/2024), counties collectively spent Ksh17 billion on travel, with Ksh15.28 billion on domestic trips and Ksh2.32 billion on foreign benchmarking and training.

Many of these domestic trips were to Naivasha, Kisumu, and coastal resorts, often disguised as workshops or retreats.

Critics argue that these travels offer little value to the public, with many serving as expensive leisure getaways at the taxpayer’s expense.