Could you walk us through the significance of this new CBA and what it means to teachers?
This agreement is significant because, for the first time in many years, the lowest-paid teachers are the ones who have benefited most. In the last CBA (2016–2021), school heads and administrators reaped the biggest rewards while the classroom teachers, who carry the daily burden in schools, were left with very little.
This time we insisted on fairness. And so, while the TSC’s offer did not meet all our expectations, at least it favoured the ordinary teacher. That is an important shift.
You previously described the negotiation process as intense and full of intricacies. Could you elaborate?
Yes, it was intense. We went into the talks with demands that included a 40 per cent basic pay increase across all grades, improved commuter and housing allowances, and recognition of teachers who have advanced academically; those with Masters and PhDs.
Keep Reading
- Government releases Sh3.5b to clear doctors' salary arrears
- KMPDU eyes new CBA, intern postings in health sector drive
- From protest to policy: A stand for dignity and change
- From picket lines to policy: A stand for dignity and change
Unfortunately, many of these issues were not fully addressed. The commuter allowance, for example, has been stagnant since 2014, yet fuel prices have more than doubled from about Sh78 per litre to nearly Sh190. Housing remains a huge burden for teachers, especially in urban and peri-urban counties.
The TSC simply told us there was no budgetary allocation for these items in the current financial year. So the deal had to be tied to a supplementary budget. We took what was available because rejecting it would have left teachers with nothing.
So this was a compromise?
Trade unionism is like hunting: you take what you catch even if it is not what you expected. While the award is welcome, it only meets about a third of our expectations. But it is better than a standoff, which often leads to industrial action. We must avoid strikes as much as possible because they hurt teachers, learners, and the education sector as a whole.
Let’s talk numbers. What changes should a classroom teacher expect to see on their payslip?
Take the case of a high school teacher who was previously earning a basic pay of Sh35,900. Under this new deal, that amount will rise gradually to about Sh41,000 over the four-year implementation period. That is a meaningful increase, though still far from what we had proposed.
Overall, the agreement will cost Sh33.8 billion, spread over four years. Each year, about Sh8.4 billion will be allocated to salaries. Importantly, this goes directly into basic pay, not allowances.
Some argue that the last CBA was more progressive because it gave teachers new non-monetary benefits like longer maternity leave and paid training. Is this the case?
Those non-monetary gains were necessary at the time. Remember, that CBA came just after COVID-19, when the economy was struggling. Teachers agreed to be patient. But now the cost of living has skyrocketed. Rent, transport, and basic commodities are taking a toll. This time the teacher wanted money in their pockets, not just additional leave days.
You have raised the issue of pay disparities. Could you explain how this deal addresses that?
Previously, the lowest-paid high school teacher earned Sh35,900 while the highest earned about Sh150,000 in basic pay. That is a 75 per cent difference. International best practice recommends a maximum gap of 25 per cent within the same sector. This CBA reduces that disparity. It brings more equity. The managers of schools were recognised in the last deal, which was fine.This one finally uplifts the classroom teacher.
Are these increaments uniform across the board?
Yes. Basic pay is uniform nationwide. What differs are allowances. Teachers in hardship areas like arid counties get a 30 per cent hardship allowance on top of basic pay. But the new increaments apply to all teachers under the TSC, roughly 410,000 in total.
On allowances, are you not concerned that negotiations on commuter and housing allowances remain unresolved?
The government says it lacks resources. But the reality is that teachers are struggling. In Nairobi, for instance, a teacher at Kenya High might be forced to rent a modest house for Sh14,000 to Sh15,000. That’s a huge expense on a modest salary. We will continue to push for these allowances. The struggle does not end with this signing.
Many teachers feel frustrated by the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG). What has been agreed in this CBA?
Career progression was a major sticking point. In our demands, we wanted the CPG scrapped entirely. Teachers who upgrade their qualifications, say from diploma to degree, or degree to masters are not rewarded adequately.
Ultimately, we agreed that the CPG will be reviewed by June 30, 2026. Meanwhile, we are demanding that teachers who invest in their own professional development must be recognised through promotions, salary increments, or at least a special duty allowance. That is international best practice, and we will keep pushing.
When will teachers start feeling the impact of this new CBA? Is it immediate?
Yes. Teachers should see the adjustments starting from this year. The increaments will be phased, but by the end of the four years, the full Sh33.8 billion will have been applied.
A recurring question from parents and the public is whether this CBA also covers teachers in private schools.
No, it does not. This agreement only applies to teachers employed by the TSC in public schools. However, all teachers practicing in Kenya must be registered by the TSC, even those in private institutions. Private schools negotiate their own terms with their teachers.
The problem is that in some areas, unqualified individuals like Form Four leavers are teaching in schools. That is illegal and must be stopped. The law requires all teachers to be registered professionals.
You said only a third of your demands were met. What happens to the rest?
The struggle continues. This CBA runs from 2025 to 2029. We will take the victories we have won now, but we will keep reminding TSC and the government that housing, commuter allowance, medical cover, and career progression remain unresolved.
We cannot sit pretty. Teachers deserve dignity. That means fair pay, proper working conditions, and recognition for their skills. We will not relent.
Some fear that within a year or two, we may be back to strikes. Do you see that happening?
Our goal is not to strike. Strikes are disruptive to both teachers and learners. But if conditions do not improve, teachers will be forced to act. For now, we are hopeful that continued engagement will deliver more. This deal is not the end. It is a step forward.
Teaching is the backbone of every other profession. Kenya must respect its teachers!