Teachers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Salary Hike

Teachers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Salary Hike

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a powerful warning to the government—honour the salary deal or face a nationwide teachers’ strike.

KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu sounded the alarm on Friday, July 25, calling out the government for dragging its feet on implementing the Ksh33 billion Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with teachers’ unions.

“If the government doesn’t honour the agreement, we’ll have no choice but to down our tools,” Oyuu declared during a heated press briefing.

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Broken Promises, Rising Tensions

The new CBA, signed between TSC, KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET, promised pay raises across the board. The deal assured a 5% increase for senior teachers in job group D5, who would now earn up to Ksh167,415.

More importantly, lower-paid teachers, currently earning Ksh23,000, were set to receive up to Ksh29,000, a 29.6% increase.

“The agreement was clear—teachers would receive revised paychecks by end of this month,” Oyuu reminded the nation.

However, with no signs of actual implementation, frustrations are boiling over. Teachers feel betrayed and ignored.

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Strike Looms as Crisis Deepens

The salary deal was the product of tough, day-long negotiations held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Kasarani on July 18. It outlined gradual implementation, with Ksh8.4 billion allocated annually over five years.

Yet now, KNUT accuses the government of stalling while teachers struggle with rising living costs.

“We negotiated in good faith. Now we demand action, not empty promises,” Oyuu insisted.

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Free Education in Jeopardy

Adding fuel to the fire, Treasury CS John Mbadi dropped another bombshell on July 24—free education is no longer sustainable.

Appearing before the National Assembly committee, Mbadi explained that increased enrolment and fiscal strain had forced the government to slash capitation grants.

“Due to constrained fiscal space and new priorities, updating these rates might be untenable,” Mbadi admitted.

Capitation for secondary schools has been cut from Ksh22,244 to Ksh16,900 per student. Primary and junior school funds have also been trimmed.

Oyuu criticized the move, urging MPs to intervene immediately.

“The problem lies in capitation. Parliament must act before the situation explodes,” he warned.

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All Eyes on Parliament

As the clock ticks, teachers, parents, and students brace for a possible education crisis. KNUT remains firm—no pay, no teaching.

“We want our salaries. We want our dignity. Enough is enough,” Oyuu concluded.

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Teachers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Salary Hike