Kenyan Teachers Threaten Strike Over Unmet Salary Increases as Schools Reopen

As schools in Kenya prepare to reopen on August 26, 2024, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a stern warning to the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The union, under the leadership of Secretary General Collins Oyuu, is threatening to mobilize its members for a nationwide strike if the government fails to honor the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which includes a promised salary increase of 2.5% to 9% for teachers.

The CBA Dispute: A Brewing Storm

The dispute centers around the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA, which was registered with the Employment and Labour Relations Court. The agreement was seen as a significant achievement for Kenyan teachers, who have long felt underappreciated and underpaid compared to other public sector workers. The CBA was supposed to be a step towards rectifying these disparities by ensuring a structured and predictable salary increase over the four-year period.

However, according to KNUT, the TSC has yet to honor this agreement, particularly the second phase, which has sparked growing frustration among teachers. The union argues that the delay in implementing the agreed-upon salary increments is not just a breach of contract but also a sign of disrespect towards the teaching profession.

KNUT’s Ultimatum: Strike or Compliance

In his address, Collins Oyuu did not mince words, making it clear that teachers across the country are ready to down their tools if the TSC does not act swiftly to implement the salary increases. “Teachers are prepared to go on strike. If the Teachers Service Commission does not honor the second phase of the CBA, teachers will not resume work when schools reopen on August 26, 2024,” Oyuu warned.

This is not the first time that Kenyan teachers have been forced to resort to industrial action to demand their rights. The teaching profession in Kenya has a long history of strikes, often triggered by unmet promises and unfulfilled agreements. This time, the union’s leadership is adamant that they will not return to the negotiating table, as they believe the matter has already been settled legally through the court-registered CBA.

Budget Cuts and Their Impact

Adding fuel to the fire is the recent decision by the National Treasury to reduce the TSC’s budget by Shs10 billion. Oyuu has strongly criticized this move, arguing that it has directly affected the commission’s ability to fulfill its obligations under the CBA. The budget cuts, according to Oyuu, are a significant obstacle preventing the implementation of the salary increments, which were supposed to be rolled out in the second phase of the CBA.

“The reduction in the TSC budget has hindered the implementation of the CBA. Teachers in this country have been undermined. They are not like other workers,” Oyuu stated, expressing the frustration and disillusionment felt by many in the teaching profession.

A Call for Action

As the clock ticks towards the reopening of schools, the looming threat of a nationwide teachers’ strike hangs over the education sector. The potential disruption to the academic calendar is a serious concern for parents, students, and educational stakeholders alike. However, for the teachers represented by KNUT, the strike threat is a necessary step to compel the government to honor its commitments.

Oyuu’s closing remarks were resolute: “I will not consult on the CBA again. What is in court is in court; what we want is the implementation of the CBA.” The message is clear—the ball is now in the government’s court, and its response will determine whether schools will reopen smoothly or whether the country will face yet another teachers’ strike.

The coming days will be critical as the government and the TSC weigh their options. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on to find a solution that will avert a strike and ensure that teachers receive the respect and compensation they believe they deserve.