The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially summoned teachers’ unions to engage in discussions for the upcoming 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
This marks the commencement of negotiations that hold the potential to transform the pay and working conditions for post-primary educators over the next four years.
These discussions arise amid heightened scrutiny of public sector salaries and growing dissatisfaction among teachers regarding the rising cost of living and stagnant career progression, as TSC aims to reconcile the demands of both primary and secondary school educators.
In a letter dated June 24, 2025, addressed to the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and obtained by the Standard, TSC’s Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei has invited the union to a consultative meeting set for Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
The gathering will take place in the boardroom of the Commission chairman at TSC headquarters in Nairobi.
“The Commission welcomes you to a consultative meeting regarding the CBA 2025–2029 on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Commission chairman’s boardroom,” Mitei stated in her correspondence.
This meeting comes in response to increasing pressure from teachers’ unions urging the government to provide relief to educators facing the high cost of living, stalled promotions, and what they perceive as widening salary gaps among different job categories.
Just last week, KUPPET issued a seven-day ultimatum to TSC to kickstart negotiations, warning of potential nationwide strikes if their demands go unaddressed.
“We want to protect our members from undue hardship. If TSC does not take action, we will resort to withdrawing our labor,” declared Misori.
KUPPET is advocating for a 100% increase in basic pay for lower job groups, a 50% rise for higher ranks, a 20% boost in housing allowances, a 100% increase in hardship allowances, and a staggering 250% hike in commuter allowances. They are also pushing for the introduction of overtime, risk, and hazard pay, as well as reforms in career progression that would allow teachers to start at Grade C1 instead of B5.
In response to the invitation, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori expressed appreciation for the gesture but urged TSC to show genuine dedication to resolving the persistent issues faced by teachers.
“We are prepared to engage constructively with the Commission, but we expect these discussions to extend beyond mere formalities. Teachers are seeking a substantial package that accurately reflects the current economic landscape,” Misori emphasized.
The forthcoming negotiations are anticipated to center on salary increases, enhanced medical benefits, improved promotion criteria, and adjustments to workloads, particularly for educators managing classes transitioning to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
