KNUT Issues 7-Day Strike Ultimatum to TSC Over Delayed 2025–2029 CBA Talks
KNUT Issues 7-Day Strike Ultimatum to TSC Over Delayed 2025–2029 CBA Talks
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to commence negotiations for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or face a nationwide teachers’ strike.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu expressed deep frustration with the Commission’s delay in engaging the union, even after the current CBA officially expired on June 30, 2025.
Key Demands from KNUT
KNUT has outlined three core demands that it expects TSC to address in the new CBA:
- A 60% increase in basic salaries across all grades.
- A 30% rise in allowances, including housing, commuter, hardship, and medical.
- Clear and structured promotion criteria for non-administrative teachers to ensure fair career progression.
Oyuu made it clear that the union will not accept a non-monetary CBA, stating such arrangements have previously failed to improve teachers’ welfare.
“Teachers of Kenya are not prepared to receive a non-monetary CBA as it has been in the recent past,” said Oyuu.
Failed Consultative Meeting With TSC
According to KNUT, the meeting held on July 1 at the TSC Headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, ended without progress after the Commission allegedly refused to address the union’s financial proposals.
The meeting was scheduled after a formal invitation by TSC in a letter dated June 24, 2025. However, union officials claim the Commission’s team failed to present a counteroffer or engage on key demands.
Rising Tensions Across Teacher Unions
KNUT is not the only union dissatisfied with TSC’s handling of the new CBA. On June 21, 2025, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) also issued its own seven-day notice, warning that the delay in starting CBA talks was unacceptable.
KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba urged TSC to act swiftly and involve the Cabinet Secretary for Labour to facilitate the negotiation process.
“TSC should invite us for talks. The Labour CS must ensure the Commission convenes the CBA talks without further delay,” Milemba said.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori echoed these sentiments, insisting that the 2025–2029 CBA is a critical tool for teacher motivation, retention, and economic well-being.
What Happens If TSC Fails to Respond
KNUT has warned that failure by TSC to respond to the demands within seven days will result in nationwide industrial action beginning on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The strike, if it goes ahead, is expected to paralyze learning activities in all public primary and secondary schools, just weeks into the second term.
Union Members Mobilized for Action
KNUT leadership has already begun mobilizing teachers across counties, with regional branches instructed to prepare for potential disruption. The union says it is left with no option but to defend the rights and welfare of its members through industrial action.
TSC Yet to Issue Official Response
As of now, the Teachers Service Commission has not issued any official response to the demands or the strike notice. Stakeholders across the education sector are urging both parties to return to the table to avoid a crisis in public education.
With the clock ticking, the spotlight is now on TSC and the Ministry of Education to resolve the impasse. As the July 7 strike deadline approaches, parents, learners, and teachers alike are watching closely to see whether the long-awaited 2025–2029 CBA negotiations will proceed — or if another school term will be disrupted by industrial unrest.
