KNUT Pushes for New Teachers’ CBA: Key Demands for 2025-2029.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), led by Secretary General Collins Oyuu, is preparing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025-2029 period.
The proposed CBA addresses several urgent issues impacting teachers, emphasizing the need for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take action for the benefit of both educators and learners.
During the 62nd annual general meeting of the KNUT Kitui branch, held at the Kitui Multi-Purpose Centre, Oyuu outlined the union’s primary demands.
He specified the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms (PNP) as a central issue.
The process would build on an earlier initiative to confirm 26,000 intern teachers, followed by an additional 20,000, with the government pledging to complete the confirmations by January 2025.
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Additionally, Oyuu stressed the union’s call for the employment of an extra 20,000 teachers to support the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“The government should avail money and ensure that these teachers are turned into PNP. This is an important issue for both teachers and the future of education in Kenya,” said Oyuu.
He noted that the existing teacher shortage remains severe, and promptly hiring more educators is crucial for the education sector.
Financial Considerations
The proposed CBA also addresses the financial requirements associated with transitioning teachers to permanent positions.
KNUT is urging the government to allocate adequate funding to ensure that all teachers are placed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Oyuu underscored the importance of this demand for the future of education in Kenya. He highlighted the need to prioritize teachers who have upgraded their qualifications to handle CBC roles, recommending that recent graduates be given first priority in employment.
Other Pressing Issues
Besides the confirmation of intern teachers and additional hiring, the CBA addresses several other concerns:
- Promotions: Addressing stagnation in one grade to ensure career progression for educators.
- Teacher Delocalization: Revisiting the policy to consider the impact on teachers’ personal lives.
The meeting also saw former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Central Member of Parliament Makali Mulu express support for the union’s efforts.
They criticized the current administration, led by the UDA party, for implementing unfavorable policies for civil servants, such as the introduction of a housing levy and plans to increase contributions for the newly created SHA health cover to 2.7% of earnings.
The leaders accused the government of mishandling the country’s economy and key sectors, including education and health, and argued that the President has failed to heed the concerns of citizens.
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They called for the government to address these issues to alleviate economic hardships affecting Kenyans.
With demands for the confirmation of intern teachers, increased hiring, and addressing financial and administrative challenges, the union aims to secure better working conditions and enhance the quality of education in Kenya.
KNUT Pushes for New Teachers’ CBA: Key Demands for 2025-2029.
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