What To Know About 2025–2029 CBA Negotiations
Kenya’s teaching workforce could soon see salary increases as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) kicks off negotiations with teachers’ unions on the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The long-awaited talks are scheduled to begin next week, with a new pay structure potentially taking effect in the July 2025 payroll.
TSC has formally invited the three main unions — Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) — for phased negotiations at its headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
When and Who: CBA Talks Timeline
- July 1, 2025: TSC to meet KNUT
- July 2, 2025: TSC to meet KUPPET
- KUSNET is also scheduled for a meeting shortly after.
These talks come at a critical juncture, just days before the current CBA expires on June 30, 2025. Failure to reach an agreement would stall pay increases and fuel discontent among teachers.
KUPPET’s Push for Salary Doubling
KUPPET is proposing a bold salary raise for the lowest-paid teachers. The union wants:
- Job Group B5 (entry-level teachers) salaries increased from Ksh 23,830 to Ksh 47,660 over four years — nearly a 100% raise.
The union recently issued a seven-day strike notice, which prompted TSC to act swiftly and schedule the upcoming meetings. KUPPET’s demands reflect rising concerns over inflation, increased workloads from the CBC rollout, and the stagnant pay structure that has demoralized many educators.
KNUT’s Demands: 60% Salary Increase + 30% Allowance Boost
KNUT, on the other hand, is demanding:
- 60% increment in basic salary over four years.
- 30% increase in allowances, including hardship, risk, and housing allowances.
- Re-evaluation of hardship areas, ensuring periodic reviews and written communication at least three months in advance for any changes.
Hardship zones, according to KNUT, must be fairly classified and reviewed regularly, considering issues like remoteness, insecurity, and poor infrastructure.
Special Allowances: Risk, Sick, and Convalescent Leave
KNUT has also proposed the inclusion of several welfare benefits and allowances:
- 10% Risk Allowance for teachers handling science and technical subjects. Eligibility would be reviewed by a joint committee between TSC and the union.
- Annual Leave:
- 30 working days of paid annual leave after 12 months of service.
- New teachers to receive leave on a pro-rata basis.
- Leave delays exceeding two months require teacher’s written consent.
- Sick Leave:
- One-year entitlement after two months of employment.
- First 180 days fully paid, remaining 180 days at half pay.
- Teachers must notify TSC within 48 hours and submit a formal online request.
- Convalescent Leave:
- For post-illness or injury recovery, as recommended by a medical doctor.
- Should not lead to punitive measures or contract termination.
These proposals are part of KNUT’s broader push for dignified treatment of educators and improved working conditions.
TSC Under New Leadership
The 2025 CBA negotiations will be led by Eveleen Mitei, the newly appointed Acting TSC CEO, following the retirement of long-serving CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia on June 30, 2025. Mitei’s first major assignment is to manage what could be a high-stakes negotiation with far-reaching implications for over 300,000 teachers.
Funding and Budget Considerations
The lack of a pay provision in the recently announced national budget caused alarm among educators. However, reports suggest that the National Treasury may finance the pay rise through a supplementary budget, which will be crucial for implementing any new CBA terms.
Why This CBA Is Crucial
The 2025–2029 CBA talks come at a time of heightened tension in the education sector:
- Rising cost of living
- Unfulfilled promises from previous CBAs
- Delayed promotions and allowances
- Increased workload from curriculum changes
For teachers, this CBA represents more than just a salary adjustment — it’s about restoring morale, professional dignity, and financial security.
What’s Next for Teachers
Teachers across the country are urged to:
- Stay alert to official communications from TSC and their respective unions.
- Monitor negotiation progress via official channels, including:
- www.tsc.go.ke
- SMS notifications from TSC
- Union press briefings and circulars
The July payroll could reflect the first wave of changes — if talks are concluded in time and the Treasury approves the revised salary structures.
Final Word
As negotiations begin, teachers are hopeful yet cautious. With TSC, KNUT, and KUPPET all preparing to present their positions, the future of Kenya’s educators hinges on how the next few weeks unfold.
Will this CBA mark a turning point, or will it be another missed opportunity? All eyes are now on Upper Hill.
