60% Teacher Salary Tops Agenda as TSC-KNUT CBA Talks Set
Kenya’s education sector is bracing for potentially historic changes as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) prepare to hold high-stakes Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. At the heart of these talks is a proposed 60% pay rise for all teachers represented by KNUT, as part of the 2025–2029 CBA.
The proposal, backed by a detailed economic analysis and stakeholder engagement, comes amid growing pressure to cushion teachers from the rising cost of living, inflation, and mounting professional demands.
Key Highlights of the Proposed 2025–2029 TSC-KNUT CBA
- 60% salary increase across the board for all KNUT-member teachers
- 30% increment in allowances, including hardship, commuter, and housing allowances
- Comprehensive medical cover for all teachers
- Collaborative development involving economic experts, parliamentary committees, and education stakeholders
- Forwarded to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and pending Treasury review
KNUT Chairman Pushes for Better Compensation
KNUT National Chairman, Patrick Karinga Munuve, confirmed that the union is advocating for a 60% salary increment for teachers serving at all levels—from primary and junior secondary to senior school educators.
Speaking at the KNUT Nakuru Branch Annual General Meeting held at Afraha High School, Munuve emphasized that current pay structures no longer reflect the economic reality facing Kenyan teachers.
“The proposed 60 per cent salary increment in our 2025/2029 CBA between us and TSC will ensure that our teachers get a salary that caters for their needs and their families. Teachers must work in dignity across all parts of Kenya,” Munuve stated.
The KNUT leader noted that many teachers struggle to meet basic needs, citing the sharp rise in essential commodities, housing, and transportation costs.
Allowances Also on the Agenda: 30% Boost Proposed
In addition to the pay rise, KNUT is demanding a 30% increase in all allowances, with specific focus on hardship allowances for those serving in remote and underdeveloped areas.
“Teachers work in extremely challenging conditions, especially in arid and semi-arid lands. The 30% rise in allowances will ensure they are compensated for the sacrifices they make daily,” Munuve added.
This includes increments in:
- Hardship allowance
- Commuter allowance
- House allowance
- Special duty and responsibility allowances
These changes are expected to drastically improve living and working conditions for teachers, particularly those posted in far-flung counties.
Comprehensive Medical Cover for Teachers
A major addition in the new CBA is the proposal for a comprehensive medical cover for all teachers and their dependents. According to KNUT, many teachers are forced to spend out-of-pocket for health services, affecting their wellbeing and financial stability.
The proposed plan will provide coverage for:
- In-patient and outpatient treatment
- Chronic illness management
- Maternity services
- Specialist referrals
- Mental health care
This move is expected to ease medical burdens and reduce absenteeism due to untreated health conditions among educators.
CBA Draft Submitted to TSC, SRC, and National Treasury
Munuve confirmed that the KNUT’s CBA proposals were developed in collaboration with a think tank of top economic experts, focusing on both feasibility and sustainability. The document was officially submitted to the TSC, which has since forwarded it to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for review.
Once reviewed, the proposals will be passed on to the National Treasury for budgeting and final approval. KNUT has also sought the support of both the Parliamentary Committee on Education and the National Assembly Budget Committee to fast-track the process and ensure sufficient budget allocation in the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
High-Level Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The TSC has officially invited top KNUT officials to a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, to present and discuss the CBA in detail. According to Munuve, the outcomes of this meeting will then be presented to the KNUT National Executive Council for deliberation and possible endorsement.
“Once we receive the response from TSC, we shall meet with our National Executive Committee to determine the next course of action in line with the KNUT constitution,” Munuve said.
KNUT Branch Leaders Join Call for Better Terms
The Nakuru AGM brought together executive secretaries from over 16 KNUT branches, including:
- Nakuru
- Samburu
- Baringo
- Nyandarua North
- Kericho
- Nairobi
- Koibatek
- Nandi Hills
- Wareng
- Narok
- Eldoret West
- Bomet, among others.
The meeting was also attended by TSC Nakuru County Director Geoffrey Matasero Chemos, alongside senior union officials, reinforcing the importance of stakeholder unity in the ongoing CBA negotiations.
What’s Next?
As the 2025–2026 financial year approaches, all eyes are now on the SRC, TSC, and Treasury. Teachers across Kenya are watching closely, hopeful that the proposed CBA will finally bring an end to years of pay stagnation and working under uncompetitive terms.
If approved, the 60% salary increase and additional benefits could usher in a new era of motivation, performance, and retention in Kenya’s education sector—ultimately improving learning outcomes for millions of students.
