Teachers across the country have received a significant boost following the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the three major teacher unions.
The Sh33.7 billion deal, which covers the 2025–29 period, was signed Friday, July 18, in Nairobi after a year-long negotiation process.
The agreement was signed with officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet).
It is set to benefit more than 400,000 public school teachers.
The first phase of the CBA will take effect from July 1, 2025, at a cost of Sh8.4 billion, which includes over Sh1.2 billion in pension and statutory contributions by the employer.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, TSC chairperson Jamleck Muturi expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for what he described as “overwhelming support” for the education sector.
"As a commission, our first commitment is to safeguard the welfare of our teachers, improve their terms and conditions of service, and ensure industrial peace and harmony in the public teaching service," Muturi said.
"It is only through this commitment that collectively, as a teaching service, we can achieve the aspirations of our Constitution that guarantees compulsory quality basic education to all learners."
He announced that in the 2025/26 financial year, the government would invest heavily in the teaching service.
This includes recruiting more teachers at a cost of Sh2.4 billion, promoting teachers across various cadres at a cost of Sh1 billion, and retooling senior school teachers through a Sh950 million initiative.
The CBA also introduces several progressive provisions aimed at improving teacher welfare.
Notably, teachers dismissed from service will still be entitled to pension benefits.
Additionally, a nationwide job evaluation exercise will be undertaken during the next financial year in consultation with government agencies and unions.
Based on the findings of that evaluation, the Commission will review the Career Progression Guidelines.
Another significant development is the introduction of a two-hour daily breastfeeding allowance for lactating female teachers, applicable for two months.
Union leaders welcomed the agreement, saying it reflects meaningful dialogue and a shared commitment to addressing long-standing concerns affecting teachers.
In a joint statement, they praised the TSC for engaging in open and constructive talks that have resulted in a fair and forward-looking agreement.
“This agreement represents a major step toward improving the morale of teachers and ensuring better outcomes for learners across the country,” the unions said.
TSC assured teachers that it remains committed to implementing the agreement fully and enhancing the dignity and competitiveness of the teaching profession.
Muturi lauded all those involved in the negotiation process, including members of the Commission, the unions, and teachers themselves, for their patience and cooperation.
He also reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to safeguard the welfare of teachers, promote industrial harmony, and ultimately improve the quality of education offered in Kenyan public schools.
