- The CBAs were signed in June 2021 and amended by an addendum in August 2023.
- The first phase was to be implemented by June 30, 2024, and the second phase effected on July 1
Image: ALFRED MUTUA/X
Teachers unions are yet to call off the nationwide strike despite the government's agreement to implement the CBA.
On August 21, the Teachers Service Commission called a meeting with union officials to deliberate a way forward after teacher unions issued a strike notice.
The strike was to begin on Monday, August 26, the scheduled date for the reopening of schools.
Officials from Knut, Kuppet and Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers met to discuss the delayed implementation of the reviewed 2021–25 Collective Bargaining Agreements.
The CBAs were signed in June 2021 and amended by an addendum in August 2023.
The first phase was to be implemented by June 30, 2024, and the second phase effected on July 1.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia said in a statement that following the discussions, the government provided funds for the implementation of the second phase.
After the meeting, the unions were to consult internal organs with a view of withdrawing the notice, but by the time of going to press, the strike was yet to be called off.
Union officials in counties including Kitui and Homa Bay advised parents to keep their children at home.
They remained adamant that no teacher will report on duty from Monday, should the government fail to comply with their demands.
Kenya National Union of Teachers executive secretary for Kitui branch, Simon Nding’o, said teachers will not be responsible for children who will go to school.
“Parents should know that their children are taken care of by teachers and since from Monday August 26, teachers will stay away from schools, the security of children will not be assured,” Nding’o said.
“Our message to parents is that should they release their children to school on Monday, they should know it will be at your own peril,” he said.
Among the teachers' demands are the full implementation of the 2021–25 CBA, promotion of 130,000 stagnated tutors, the allocation of Sh15 billion for medical cover and the release of emoluments for July 2024.
They also want the teachers’ employer to remit all loans and NSSF deductions to the statutory bodies, saying the commission has, since June 2024, deducted the monies but failed to hand over to third-party agents, including banks.
Meanwhile, the University of Nairobi Student Council has issued a notice for a protest on September 2, due to the new university funding model.
In a statement, student president Madzao Rocah rejected the model imposed by the government.
“On September 2, 2024, we must come together for a mega demonstration to make our voices heard,” Rocah said.
The new framework will replace the Differentiated Unit Cost previously used to finance universities.
Unveiled by President William Ruto on May 3, the model is designed to ensure that all eligible students in public universities and Technical and Vocational Education institutions receive adequate educational financial support.
It will be implemented in five funding models.
“Furthermore, we must reject the new funding model imposed upon us. Our education is not a commodity to be exploited for profit,” he said.
Rocah also decried the revision of accommodation fees.
“The University of Nairobi’s accommodation rates must be reduced significantly before September. We refuse to pay exorbitant fees of Sh42,000 when our living conditions remain deplorable. We demand a maximum fee of Sh15,000.”