Tensions Rise in Kenya’s Education Sector as KNUT Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Delayed CBA Talks

A storm is brewing in Kenya’s education sector after the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) issued a fiery 7-day ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), demanding the immediate resumption of stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. 

Speaking at a press conference held on Monday, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu didn’t mince his words. He declared that failure by TSC to respond within the seven-day window would trigger a nationwide strike, potentially paralyzing learning activities in public schools. 

“We are giving the TSC up to July 7 to convene the National Steering Committee meeting to finalize the CBA process. If nothing happens by then, teachers across the country will down their tools,” Oyuu stated. 

At the heart of the impasse is the yet-to-be-finalized 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement. KNUT claims that despite numerous calls and letters, the TSC has remained silent on critical aspects of the deal, especially on issues relating to salary adjustments and improved working conditions. 

Oyuu noted that while the current CBA focused heavily on non-monetary benefits, the economic hardship facing teachers due to inflation and rising cost of living necessitates a financial review. 

“We negotiated the current CBA during a tough economic period caused by COVID-19. But things have changed now. Teachers deserve better pay,” he emphasized. 

KNUT has accused the TSC of dragging its feet despite teachers showing goodwill during the original CBA talks. According to Oyuu, the union had previously agreed to defer monetary benefits during the pandemic, expecting those to be revisited once the economy stabilized. 

But with no movement from the TSC, frustration is growing among teachers, and KNUT is now under pressure to act or risk losing the confidence of its members. 

As of now, the TSC has not issued an official response to the 7-day notice. Education stakeholders and parents across the country are now watching closely, fearing the possible disruption of the school calendar. 

Analysts warn that a nationwide strike could severely impact thousands of learners, especially those preparing for national examinations later this year. 

If the TSC fails to respond by the July 7 deadline, KNUT has made it clear: a full-blown strike will be on the table. The union says it is mobilizing its membership across all 47 counties in anticipation of industrial action. 

With tensions at an all-time high and time running out, the ball is now in TSC’s court. Will they respond in time to avert a crisis, or will Kenya’s public schools come to a grinding halt?