In a pivotal move to prevent a nationwide teachers’ strike, Kenya National Union of Teachers -KNUT- Second Vice Chairperson Aggrey Namisi, along with the National Steering Council of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), held a crucial meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Labour today. The meeting, which brought together key KNUT leaders—including Secretary General Collins Oyuu and National Chairman Patrick Munuhe—was focused on resolving a range of urgent issues impacting Kenya’s educators.
At the heart of the discussions was the delay in the implementation of the second phase of the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This agreement was designed to provide teachers with a significant salary increment of between 7% and 9%, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled. The delay in this pay rise has been a major source of frustration and concern among teachers, who are eagerly awaiting the financial relief promised in the agreement.
Additionally, the union raised pressing issues related to the teachers’ medical scheme. There have been ongoing problems with the coverage and efficiency of the medical plan, causing anxiety about healthcare accessibility for educators and their families. The union also highlighted the non-remittance of SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) and loan deductions, which has led to financial strain for many teachers. Furthermore, delays in retirement benefit payments have been another significant concern, affecting the financial security of retired educators.
The objective of today’s meeting was to address these critical issues and work towards a resolution that would ensure the interests of teachers are protected. By engaging in these high-level discussions, KNUT and the Ministry of Labour aim to foster a more cordial industrial relationship and avert the potential disruption of a nationwide strike.
As negotiations continue, both parties are focused on finding a mutually agreeable solution that will uphold the promises made to teachers and support their well-being. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the future of industrial relations in Kenya’s education sector.
