The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) on Sunday, July 9, demanded a review of salaries for its members and gave the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) an ultimatum of 14 days to convene talks.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu told the press that teachers were facing a severe financial crisis due to the high cost of living. He noted that the current salaries are not commensurate with the work that teachers do.
The SG, therefore, called for a salary increase for all teachers as well as a review of other benefits such as housing allowances and medical cover.
"The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) stopped us from negotiating anything monetary in 2021. But since SRC has lifted the caveat on negotiation, we have written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to bring us to the table so that we may review our current salaries," Oyuu stated.
The SG noted that KNUT members were affected by the current state of the economy, especially the skyrocketing inflation rate hit 8.0 per cent.
"We must review the non-monetary Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) which we signed in 2021. We cannot forget that the economic situation in this country is so biting," he demanded.
He also noted that teachers should be cushioned based on a non-monetary CBA that reflects current financial demands so as to help them cope with the rising cost of living.
The demand for a salary review came when the government was facing financial constraints. However, Oyuu noted that the government should prioritise the welfare of teachers as they are the backbone of the education system.
A 14-day deadline for TSC to convene talks expires on July 25. If TSC does not respond by then, KNUT stated that it will take further action including industrial action.
TSC had not yet responded to KNUT's demands. However, the commission on Thursday, July 6, stated that it was committed to ensuring that teachers are properly remunerated.
The demand for a salary review is the latest in a series of protests by teachers in Kenya. In recent years, teachers have staged strikes and demonstrations over a number of issues, including salaries, working conditions, and the lack of promotion opportunities.
At the time, the government responded to the protests by saying that it was committed to addressing the concerns of teachers. However, the government stated that it cannot afford to meet all of the demands of the unions.
