Salary Increase & Enhanced House Allowance: TSC’s Agreement
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) have come together to establish a significant Agreement to amend the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Key highlights of this Agreement encompass:
1. Salary Increase:
Teachers are set to experience a noteworthy 9.5% rise in their Basic Salary, distributed over two financial years, starting from July 1, 2023.
2. Enhanced House Allowance:
The Agreement introduces an increased House Allowance for teachers in Cluster 4. This augmentation, effective from July 1, 2023, aims to align the House allowance for Clusters 3 and 4.
It’s worth noting that the majority, 87%, of public teaching service members fall into Cluster 4, mainly situated in rural areas. The harmonization process is expected to be fully implemented by July 2024.
To expedite implementation, the revised salary structure will be incorporated into the August payroll. Furthermore, arrears will be retroactive to July 1, 2023, ensuring timely and rightful compensation for teachers.
Advancements in Career Progression:
Beyond the financial improvements brought about by the CBA, productive negotiations between the Commission and the Unions have resulted in the elevation of 14,738 teachers in August 2023.
Additionally, a significant stride has been taken with the announcement of 36,275 promotional vacancies. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to motivate educators and nurture a culture of ongoing enhancement within the teaching realm.
Optimizing Special Needs Education (SNE) Teachers:
To address the unique needs of SNE teachers, the Commission and Unions have agreed to reassess the Career Progression and workload allocation of teachers stationed in Special Units.
This strategic move aims to capitalize on these educators’ distinct skills while fostering a more supportive and enriching learning environment for students with special needs.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of the initial agreement signing, which spans from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, the TSC’s press statement on August 28, 2023, confirms a mutual understanding between the TSC and the three trade unions.
The signatory trade unions include the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET).
A provision has been made to defer the monetary aspects of the CBA, to be revisited once economic conditions improve.
The review process, initiated during the August 22, 2022 meeting, involved the TSC presenting an offer for unions’ consideration. Subsequently, unions requested additional time for a thorough assessment, member consultation, and internal deliberations before reaching a decision.
With the aim of promoting harmony within the education sector, all negotiating parties worked towards a deal that aligns with teachers’ aspirations and expectations.
These collaborative efforts culminated in an agreement that signifies a positive stride for both the teaching profession and Kenya’s educational landscape.
The TSC expressed gratitude for teachers’ dedication and hard work in providing quality education to Kenyan students. As the employer, the TSC assured continued engagement through elected representatives to enhance terms and conditions of service.
Salary Increase & Enhanced House Allowance: TSC’s Agreement
