Teachers Declare Nationwide Strike Starting This Date on TSC’s Alleged CBA Betrayal
Teachers Declare Nationwide Strike Starting This Date on TSC’s Alleged CBA Betrayal, “Enough is Enough!” Teachers Announce Countrywide Strike Over Delayed CBA Implementation
A storm is brewing in Kenya’s education sector as teachers across the country gear up for a nationwide strike set to begin on July 1, 2025. This comes after educators accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of failing to implement the long-promised 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The strike, organized by KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET, follows a 14-day ultimatum issued to the TSC demanding immediate action on salary reviews, career progression, and welfare issues.
Union Leaders Say TSC Has Failed Teachers
Frustration is at an all-time high among teachers’ unions, who claim that the TSC has avoided fresh talks, failed to provide salary proposals, and ignored agreed-upon CBA terms.
KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori strongly criticized the commission’s silence, calling it “a blatant insult to the teaching profession.”
“We are tired of empty promises. Teachers have waited long enough,” Misori said.
“TSC’s inaction shows a lack of respect and commitment.”
Despite the 2021–2025 CBA nearing its end, union leaders say no new negotiations have been initiated, and no budgetary allocation has been made in the 2025/2026 financial year to support the next CBA.
Unions Demand Salary Increase, Better Career Progression
Unions are demanding:
- A salary increase of 30% to 70%
- Revised career progression structures
- Special allowances for technical and special needs teachers
- Harmonization of pay disparities
None of these demands have been met, according to union officials.
Retired Teachers Still Awaiting Dues from 1997
Meanwhile, over 52,000 retired teachers are still fighting for payment of Ksh 43 billion in arrears stemming from a 1997 CBA. Despite favorable rulings from the courts—including the Supreme Court—successive governments have ignored the payout.
“We gave our lives to the profession. Many of our colleagues have died waiting for justice,” said Philip Waweru, Secretary of the Retired Teachers Association.
Leadership Vacuum or Lack of Political Will?
Following the exit of CEO Nancy Macharia, the TSC is currently led by an acting chief. But unions argue the real issue is not leadership—it’s the government’s lack of political goodwill.
“It’s not about who is in charge. The problem is the system’s indifference to teachers’ welfare,” said Misori.
Government Pleads for Patience, Teachers Say ‘No More’
Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba recently confirmed the release of Ksh 13.5 billion for 2024 salary arrears. However, teachers argue these were one-off payments that do not address long-term demands.
Ogamba has urged teachers to remain calm, citing budget constraints following the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 and annulment of the 2023 Finance Act.
“We appeal to teachers to embrace dialogue. A strike will only hurt learners,” he said.
But union leaders say dialogue has failed.
Strike Countdown: What’s at Stake
With the July 1 deadline approaching, schools may fail to reopen for third term if no deal is reached. If the strike proceeds, over 300,000 teachers are expected to down their tools, crippling learning nationwide.
This could become the largest education strike since 2015, when schools were shut down for weeks.
Unions Make Final Declaration
“If by the deadline no action is taken, all teachers will strike on July 1. No classroom will open,” declared Hesbon Otieno, KNUT Deputy Secretary-General.
Union leaders urged parents and students to stand with them, saying the strike is not about personal gain but about dignity, justice, and fairness for the teaching profession.
