The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has formally initiated discussions over the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2025–2029, inviting teachers’ unions to a key consultation. The move seeks to redefine compensation and terms for post-primary educators.
A letter from Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, dated June 24, has set the meeting for July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM in TSC’s boardroom. It’s addressed to KUPPET, indicating TSC’s readiness to commence from a position of organized dialogue.
Unions Demanding Action
Unions have been asserting increasing pressure. KUPPET gave TSC a one-week warning to begin negotiations, raising the specter of industrial action . In response, TSC has relented, urging timely engagement to avoid disruptive fallout.
Unions’ Negotiation Goals
Key demands from unions include:
- A full 100 % raise in basic pay for lower cadres, and 50 % for senior teachers.
- Increases to allowances: housing (20 %), hardship (100 %), and commuter (250 %).
- Proposed introduction of hazard, risk, and overtime pay .
- Calls for career progression reforms and improved promotion channels.
These demands are rooted in teachers’ frustrations over deteriorating purchasing power and stalled career advancement.
KUPPET’s Secretary‑General Akelo Misori welcomed the dialogue but stressed that the TSC must approach talks with seriousness. He highlighted that teachers seek more than tokenism—they want tangible changes that reflect Kenya’s economic realities.
Similarly, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has stated it will present comprehensive proposals at a meeting scheduled for July 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM in TSC’s Tower Boardroom. Their focus is on salary uplift, better training, and promotion standards.
The previous 2021–2025 CBA predominantly granted non-financial benefits, due to fiscal constraints from the pandemic. However, teachers now expect meaningful monetary gains to meet hefty inflationary pressures.
The upcoming talks, set against scrutiny of public-sector pay and dissatisfaction among educators, carry national significance.
As July opens, attention will be on whether TSC and the unions will reach a comprehensive deal or whether discord could lead to unplanned strikes.
With teachers threatening action and unions well-prepared, both parties need to negotiate in good faith to secure stable education services.
