In a promising turn of events for educators in Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has unveiled plans to allocate Sh13.5 billion to support the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This funding, set to take effect from July 1, 2024, comes after extensive negotiations to address teachers’ pressing concerns across the nation.
Education CS Julius Ogamba addressing journalists at Nyamira DEB Junior School on October 27, 2024. He inspected six JSS classrooms in Kisii and Nyamira counties. Photo credit: Ruth Mbula | Nation Media Group
The announcement follows a series of discussions between TSC officials and representatives from various teachers’ unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). The unions had threatened a nationwide strike scheduled for August 16, 2024, over issues related to delayed promotions and inadequate implementation of the CBA.
Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive Officer of TSC, stated that the government’s decision to release these funds was influenced by President William Ruto’s directive to engage meaningfully with teachers’ unions. The aim is to resolve ongoing grievances that have plagued the education sector, particularly concerning the full implementation of the CBA and the promotion of teachers who have been in stagnant positions for years. During meetings with union leaders, Macharia confirmed that several critical issues were addressed. These included a review of Career Progression Guidelines to facilitate teacher promotions and ensure timely remittance of third-party deductions such as loans and pension contributions. Additionally, improvements in healthcare provisions were announced, with teachers gaining access to both public and private hospitals under the Teachers Medical Scheme.
The phased implementation of the CBA is crucial for enhancing teachers’ welfare amid rising living costs. The first phase was implemented by June 30, 2024, while the second phase focuses on financial benefits and career progression opportunities for educators. Although unions have expressed cautious optimism regarding these developments, they remain vigilant in ensuring that all commitments are fulfilled. Macharia also highlighted that over 51,000 teachers have been promoted through competitive processes in recent months, with an additional 20,000 expected to be promoted annually under common cadre regulations. This initiative is seen as a necessary step towards addressing the backlog of teacher promotions and providing clearer pathways for career advancement within the teaching profession.
In addition to these developments at the national level, primary school headteachers have raised their voices regarding their roles in managing Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Over 23,000 headteachers recently gathered to advocate for promotions that reflect their increased responsibilities following the introduction of JSS under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). They are calling for policy changes that would allow them to progress from job Group D1 to D2. Johnson Nzioka, chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA), stressed that many headteachers feel undervalued due to stagnant positions despite their expanded roles. He urged for urgent reforms in promotion policies to ensure headteachers are adequately recognised and compensated for their contributions.
The government has also committed to addressing infrastructural challenges in schools by constructing over 11,000 classrooms by January 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at accommodating the growing number of students transitioning into JSS and ensuring educational facilities meet current demands. As schools prepare to reopen for the third term, Macharia has encouraged all teachers to return to work now that funding has been secured. She reiterated the importance of maintaining a conducive learning environment and expressed gratitude towards teachers for their dedication amid ongoing challenges.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as teachers’ unions deliberate on whether to withdraw their strike notices based on TSC’s commitments. Continuous engagement between unions and TSC is expected as both parties strive to resolve outstanding issues affecting educators across Kenya. In conclusion, while significant strides have been made towards improving teachers’ welfare through financial support and career progression opportunities, ongoing challenges remain. The successful implementation of these agreements will be vital in ensuring a stable educational environment where both teachers and students can thrive. As discussions continue among stakeholders in Kenya’s education sector, there is hope for a more equitable system that recognises and rewards the hard work of educators.