"Triumph": TSC's 29.5 percent salary increment to teachers in a Sh 33 billion agreement

BY ERIC ABUGA

More than 400,000 teachers have signed a CBA deal for the period 2025-2029 after a long journey of detailed and thorough negotiations. 

After negotiations, the Commission has awarded a salary increment of up to 29.5 percent for various cadres of teachers towards bridging the wage gap between the highest and lowest paid teacher in the public service.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has already signed the deal with the elected representatives of Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), The Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).

The new CBA that has already been signed will boost all teacher unions whose total cost is estimated at Sh 33.7 Billion net for a period of four years.

The first phase of the new CBA will be effective from 1st July, 2025 at a cost of Sh 8.4 Billion in salaries and allowances, with more than Sh1.2 Billion being employer’s contribution to the teacher’s Pension Scheme and other statutory deductions.

In the agrrement set to boost the teachers' welfare, Teachers who exit service through dismissal shall be entitled to pension benefits while the Commission shall grant female lactating teachers two hours’ time-off per day for two months to breast feed.

TSC and various Teacher Union offcials 

The Commisssion Chair Dr Jamleck Muturi says the the Commission's first commitment is to safeguard the welfare of all teachers, improve their terms and conditions of service, and ensure industrial peace and harmony in the public teaching service. 

"It is only through this commitment that collectively, as a teaching service, we can achieve the aspirations of our Constitution that guarantees compulsory quality basic education to all learners."

He says; "Through such progressive awards, the majority of the key concerns raised by the teachers have been fully addressed, and the Commission will be able to have a motivated, ethical and globally competitive teacher in its service."

The Chairman thanked President William Ruto  for the overwhelming support he continues to accord the teaching service in particular, and the education sector at large.

After the signing, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu says this proces could address gender pay gaps and improve working conditions adding that CBAs can foster labour peace and enhance productivity. 

"The employer has presented a counter proposal for consideration. Monetary component and non-monetary. Today it is a signed deal. Am sure our teachers are happy. The timing, much as we consider it late, we have achieved."

Oyuu says the counter offer is well stipulated and the lower cadre has receievd a hefty percentage of the increament. 

"The elephant in the house; career progression will be reviewed in this agreement. Teachers have no reason to stop smiling. There will be no interference with gazetted harships areas. They remain as they were.  KNUT is totally happy with the discussion we had with TSC to commence and activate the 2025-2029 CBA."

With the agreement, TSC will, in the 2025/2026 Financial Year recruit additional teachers at a cost of Sh2.4 Billion, promote teachers across all cadres at a cost of Sh1 Billion and re-tool Senior School teachers at a cost of Sh950 Million.