KNUT Threatens Nationwide Teachers’ Strike Over Delayed Pay Rise

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a stern warning of a nationwide teachers’ strike if the government fails to implement the recently signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that promised a salary increase for educators.

Speaking on Friday, July 25, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) must honour the agreement signed with KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET, or face industrial action.

The Ksh33 billion deal, agreed upon after intense negotiations at the Kenya Institute of Special Education on July 18, outlined a phased salary increment across all job groups. Teachers in the highest job group (D5) are set to earn up to Ksh167,415, reflecting a 5% increase. The lowest-paid teachers, currently earning around Ksh23,000, were to see their salaries rise to approximately Ksh29,000—a 29.6% increase.

The implementation was expected to begin this month, with teachers receiving adjusted pay by July’s end. The full rollout is projected to span five years, ending in June 2029, with an annual salary adjustment budget of Ksh8.4 billion.

Meanwhile, Oyuu also slammed the government’s announcement to end free basic education, blaming inadequate school capitation. On Thursday, July 24, Treasury CS John Mbadi told Parliament that free education was no longer financially viable due to rising student numbers and limited resources.

The capitation for secondary students will now drop from Ksh22,244 to Ksh16,900. Mbadi added that reviews would only be possible if revenue improves.

KNUT has demanded urgent action from Parliament and Treasury to resolve both the salary and funding issues to avoid disrupting the education sector.