President William Ruto’s Directive on Teacher Strike Prevention

President William Ruto’s Directive on Teacher Strike Prevention

President William Ruto has instructed the Treasury and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to engage in discussions with teachers’ unions, Knut and Kuppet, to prevent the planned strike over the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and other issues.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the school calendar, Ruto directed the Treasury to collaborate with TSC and the teachers’ unions to avoid unnecessary industrial action. “That engagement is going to happen, and I ask all the stakeholders to work together for the interests of our children, respecting what is due to the teachers,” Ruto stated.

He stressed that stakeholders must come together to explore the possibilities of fulfilling government commitments to avoid strikes in educational institutions. The unions have given TSC a notice to address six concerns, failing which their members will strike from August 26. These concerns include the full implementation of the 2021-2025 CBA, among other demands.

Ruto spoke at the Eldoret State Lodge during the Kenya Music Festival gala, marking the end of the 14-day festival held at Moi Girls High School. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring all children have access to education at all levels, recognizing education as a vital equalizer in life.

Also present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos.

On August 28, 2023, TSC signed the 2021-2025 CBA with KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET. However, the Commission failed to secure CBA funding through the 2024 Finance Bill. Subsequent budget cuts proposed by the Treasury affected key areas, including CBA implementation.

The agreement included a phased implementation of revised teacher remuneration, with the first phase executed on July 1, 2023, and the second phase expected on July 1, 2024. Teachers anticipated salary changes in their July 2024 payslips, which did not materialize.

President William Ruto’s Directive on Teacher Strike Prevention

Despite these setbacks, there is hope following President Ruto’s directive for TSC and the Treasury to devise a solution to avert the teachers’ strike. The agreement also includes updated house allowance rates, categorized into four clusters:

– Cluster 1: Nairobi City

– Cluster 2: Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru Cities, Nyeri, Eldoret, Thika, Kisii, Malindi, and Kitale municipalities

– Cluster 3: Other former municipalities

– Cluster 4: All other areas

While the house allowance rates for Clusters 1, 2, and 3 were retained, Cluster 4 rates were revised and set to be implemented in two phases. The first phase was included in the August 2023 payroll, with arrears backdated to July 1, 2023.