KNUT Chair Patrick Karinga Applauds New CBA Deal for Teachers
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By John Kariuki
The Chairman of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Patrick Karinga, has hailed the signing of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions as a significant milestone for the teaching profession.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Nairobi, Karinga described the agreement as “long overdue but ultimately fruitful,” noting that it reflects the unions’ steadfast commitment to advancing the welfare, dignity, and professional growth of teachers.
The CBA, jointly signed by KNUT, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET), will benefit over 400,000 educators across the country. It follows more than a year of negotiations and stakeholder consultations.
Among the landmark provisions of the agreement are:
- A salary increase of up to 29.5% for various teaching cadres.
- Enhanced baggage allowances.
- Policies aimed at narrowing the wage gap across job grades.
Karinga thanked President William Ruto’s administration for its role in supporting the recruitment of new teachers, facilitating nationwide promotions, and backing the retooling of senior school instructors—all of which are incorporated into the CBA framework.
He also welcomed a new clause that grants lactating teachers two hours of daily time-off, calling it a progressive and inclusive move toward more humane and family-friendly workplace policies.
“The salary increments and allowances are not just about numbers—they’re about morale, motivation, and the quality of education in our classrooms,” said Karinga.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in the upcoming Job Evaluation exercise and the anticipated review of the Career Progression Guidelines, reiterating KNUT’s readiness to work collaboratively with the TSC to ensure transparent, fair, and transformative outcomes for all educators.
“This deal is not the end,” Karinga remarked. “It is the beginning of a new era in the teaching service. KNUT remains steadfast in advocating for equity, fairness, and the continuous professional development of our teachers.”
The new CBA is projected to cost over KSh 33.7 billion over the next four years, with the first phase set to be implemented from July 1, 2025.
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