Union wants members included in TSC's Sh17 billion budget

KICOWU Secretary-General Njeru Kanyamba addressing the press in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The Kenya Independent Commissions Workers Union (KICOWU) is demanding the inclusion of its members working at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in the commission's proposed Sh17 billion budget.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Tuesday, KICOWU Secretary-General Njeru Kanyamba said workers stationed at the TSC secretariat have long been excluded from budget allocations, despite performing critical roles alongside other TSC employees.

"KICOWU previously faced challenges accessing and recruiting members from these commissions, but are now seeking formal recognition and support within the budget," said Kanyamba.

The union, which also represents workers in commissions such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), has faced challenges in accessing and recruiting members within these bodies.

Kanyamba further said that the union is seeking to be part of the budget, likely to enable it to effectively represent and advocate for independent commission workers.

"KICOWU has been struggling to gain access to workers in independent commissions and recruit members. This lack of access has undermined our ability to advocate for their rights," he said.

"We're now seeking formal recognition and a place in the budget to better represent them."

Kanyamba argued that as the government allocates billions to various entities, KICOWU's role in championing fair labor practices and improved working conditions should not be sidelined.

"Our work is integral to the functioning of these commissions," he said, noting that one of the union's objectives is to negotiate just wages for work of equal value, and foster friendly employer-employee relationships.