The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet Branch has staged a strong protest against the non-implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was signed four years ago. This protest comes as teachers in the region express increasing frustration over what they see as broken promises and a lack of progress in addressing their concerns.
Desmond Lang’at, the Branch Executive Secretary, voiced the union’s deep dissatisfaction with the current situation during a press briefing at Tenwek High School. Lang’at highlighted the growing discontent among teachers, who feel increasingly demoralized as they wait for the implementation of the agreed terms of their CBA. He emphasized that the signed CBA is not open for negotiation or revision and should be honored before any new discussions take place.
“It’s surprising and disheartening that the government is pushing for fresh negotiations when the existing CBA remains unfulfilled,” Lang’at remarked. He pointed out that while some government officials had received salary increments without any request for such raises, teachers, who had been patiently waiting, have yet to see the promised improvements in their pay and working conditions. Lang’at made it clear that the union will not retreat from its stance and will continue to advocate strongly for the rights of teachers.
The current CBA, which was negotiated and agreed upon four years ago, is at the center of the dispute. Lang’at criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for using the Financial Bill as a pretext to avoid fulfilling the terms of the agreement. He argued that the CBA, having been finalized and officially recorded, should be respected and implemented as agreed. “The CBA came before the Financial Bill. It is not right for the TSC to use the Financial Bill as an excuse to renege on the agreement,” Lang’at stated. He emphasized that any signed agreement deposited in court must be honored.
Lang’at also underscored the potential consequences if the situation is not resolved swiftly. He warned that teachers in the region are prepared to take drastic measures, including a strike, if the union decides to call for one. “Teachers are very demoralized and are ready for anything provided they get a signal from our headquarters,” he added. This threat of industrial action reflects the intensity of the frustration and the urgent need for resolution.
In addition to addressing the CBA issue, Lang’at called for a collective effort to enhance the performance of schools. He stressed that improving educational outcomes is a shared responsibility and requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. “We need to work together to boost the performance of our schools. This is a collective duty,” Lang’at urged.
The situation in Bomet underscores broader concerns within the Kenyan education sector about the implementation and respect of labor agreements. The protest by the KNUT Bomet Branch highlights a critical issue: the need for the government and relevant authorities to uphold their commitments and ensure that agreements made with teachers are honored. As the teachers await action, the outcome of this protest could have significant implications for the future of labor relations in Kenya’s education sector.
