Teachers’ unions KNUT and KUPPET propose Teachers’ Pay Raise in discussions with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Teachersupdates.co.ke understands that the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), have separately met with TSC representatives to begin talks on enhancing their pay.
During the initial talks held in Nakuru, Knut presented a proposal for a 60% salary increase.
“We have commenced discussions with the TSC on the review of the 2021-2025 CBA, which was non-monetary,” Oyuu said.
KNUT and KUPPET argues that teachers have been grappling with difficult economic conditions, with no pay rise for the past seven years despite rising inflation and a high cost of living.
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu expressed the union’s intention to seek a dignified resolution to the matter, emphasizing that strikes would not be encouraged under his leadership.
Similarly, Kuppet has demanded a 42% salary increase in their discussions with TSC.
The union highlights the financial challenges faced by teachers and insists on addressing these issues amicably through dialogue rather than resorting to street demonstrations.
The current CBA, signed in 2021, did not include a monetary component due to the government’s lack of funds caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Both Knut and Kuppet stress the need to review the existing agreement to allow for salary adjustments considering the prevailing economic circumstances.
The TSC has been allocated Sh322 billion in the 2023/2024 Budget Policy Statement.
This allocation indicates the government’s commitment to supporting the education sector and its workforce.
The unions hope that a portion of this allocation will be utilized to address the teachers’ salary concerns.
“We cannot ask teachers to demonstrate on the streets when their issues can be dealt with diplomatically and amicably by the employer and the unions,” said Oyuu.
