Nairobi, August 21, 2024 – In a significant development for Kenya’s public education sector, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the major teachers’ unions—Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET)—have reached a critical agreement following a consultative meeting aimed at addressing an ongoing industrial dispute. The meeting, held in Nairobi on August 21, 2024, comes after a presidential directive issued earlier in the year to resolve tensions surrounding various issues that have affected the welfare of teachers across the country.
Background to the Dispute
The dispute dates back to June 16, 2024, when His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto ordered the TSC to initiate dialogue with the teachers’ unions. This directive followed a strike notice issued by the unions over delays in implementing the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and other pressing concerns that have hindered the effective delivery of education in Kenya’s public schools.
The President’s intervention was timely, given the increasing unrest among teachers. The unions raised concerns over the government’s failure to meet key obligations laid out in the CBAs. These agreements, first signed in 2021, were meant to address pay scales, working conditions, and career progression for teachers.
Consultative Meeting Between TSC and Teacher Unions
The consultative meeting held today marked a milestone in resolving the industrial dispute. Present at the talks were representatives from KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET, who met with senior officials from the TSC. The discussions were focused on resolving the issues that had triggered the strike notice and threatened to disrupt learning in schools as students enter the critical third term of the academic year.
Top Agenda: Delayed CBA Implementation
Central to the discussions was the delayed implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA. The unions had strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay, stating that it undermined the welfare of teachers and, by extension, the quality of education in public schools. The unions emphasized the importance of honoring the CBA, particularly in an era where teachers have been asked to do more with fewer resources.
In a statement released by the TSC, the Commission announced that after the meeting, the government had provided funds for the implementation of the second phase of the CBA. This crucial phase, which takes effect from July 1, 2024, will ensure that teachers receive their overdue salary increments and benefits as stipulated in the agreement.
Key Resolutions from the Consultative Meeting
Apart from the agreement to proceed with the CBA, several other critical issues that had been raised by the unions were discussed and resolved during the meeting. These include:
- Review of Career Progression Guidelines: The unions had raised concerns about the current Career Progression Guidelines, which they felt were not in line with the professional growth and aspirations of teachers. The TSC assured the unions that the review of these guidelines is ongoing and will be finalized soon. This review is expected to create a more transparent and fair promotion system for teachers, enabling them to progress in their careers without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
- Third-Party Deductions: Another contentious issue was the delay in remitting third-party deductions, which include loan repayments, insurance premiums, and union dues. Teachers had reported that these delays had caused significant financial strain. The TSC assured the unions that these remittances are now up to date, alleviating this burden on teachers.
- Teachers’ Medical Scheme: Access to healthcare has been a major concern for teachers, especially with the rising cost of medical services in the country. The TSC announced that teachers under the Teachers Medical Scheme can now access both public and private hospitals. This expansion of coverage is expected to improve the overall well-being of teachers, allowing them to receive timely and quality medical care.
- Retooling for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC): As Kenya continues to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the unions have raised concerns about the lack of proper training and resources for teachers to effectively deliver the new curriculum. In response, the government has committed resources to retooling teachers for CBC implementation. This investment will include additional training and resources to ensure that teachers are well-prepared to meet the demands of the new curriculum.
- Teacher Promotions: The issue of promotions has long been a sore point for teachers, many of whom have felt stagnated in their careers due to limited opportunities for advancement. The TSC revealed that 51,232 teachers have been promoted through competitive processes, with an additional 20,000 promotions set to occur annually on a common cadre basis. These promotions are expected to boost morale among teachers and incentivize them to deliver better results in the classroom.
Strike Notice Withdrawn
Following the fruitful discussions, the teachers’ unions agreed to consult their internal organs with a view to withdrawing the strike notice. This decision was welcomed by all parties, as it ensures that learning will continue uninterrupted in the third term of the 2024 academic year. This term is particularly critical for students preparing for national examinations, and the threat of a strike had caused significant concern among parents, students, and educators alike.
TSC’s Gratitude to the Government
In its press statement, the TSC expressed its profound gratitude to the government for providing the necessary resources to implement the CBA and address the other issues raised by the unions. Despite the ongoing economic challenges facing the country, the government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the welfare of teachers and ensuring the stability of the education sector.
“The Teachers Service Commission wishes to profusely thank the government for providing adequate resources for the CBA and all other teacher programs despite the harsh economic environment,” read the statement from the TSC.
Looking Ahead
The agreement reached today is a positive step towards improving the working conditions of teachers in Kenya and ensuring that the education sector continues to thrive. However, both the TSC and the unions acknowledge that there is still work to be done, particularly in the areas of teacher training, career progression, and healthcare access.
As Kenya moves forward with its educational reforms, including the implementation of the CBC, it is essential that teachers are supported both financially and professionally. The success of these reforms depends largely on the dedication and well-being of teachers, who remain at the heart of the education system.
The unions have expressed cautious optimism following the meeting, stating that they will continue to engage with the TSC to ensure that all agreements are fully implemented. Teachers across the country will be closely watching the developments over the coming weeks as the government works to fulfill its commitments.
For now, the threat of a strike has been averted, and students, parents, and teachers can breathe a sigh of relief as the third term begins in earnest.
