KUPPET: Comprehensive Guide to the 2021–2025 CBA for Kenyan Teachers.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was signed in July 2021, has entered its second phase, according to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
This stage deals with the teacher pay cycle, making sure that terms of service are regularly enhanced and in compliance with government and teacher union regulations.
This move, which will take effect on July 1, 2024, is a part of a larger initiative to standardize pay for teachers in different grades. It offers significant raises in salary as well as other perks that keep up with the constantly changing needs of the teaching profession.
On July 13, 2021, 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) signed agreements with the TSC, marking the beginning of the 2021–2025 CBA’s voyage. Given that it included job titles, pay increases, and a plethora of allowances for teachers over the following four years, this was a pivotal moment for the profession.
But the evaluation process didn’t end when the contract was first signed. After the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommended additional changes to this CBA, a revised version was approved on August 28, 2023.
The two-phase implementation process outlined in this updated agreement will now begin in July 2024, with the first phase commencing in July 2023.
Who Stands to Gain?
The number of teachers who are gaining from the revised CBA is one of the most important lessons learned from this most recent implementation phase.
As of July 1, 2024, this circular will apply to all instructors currently employed, with the exception of intern teachers. TSC’s strategy is to guarantee uniformity and equity by applying the compensation changes uniformly.
The TSC circular states that the procedure will be in place until June 30, 2025. Teachers will notice changes to their pay scales, dates of increment, and other benefits during this time.
It is explicitly stated in the circular that teachers whose incremental dates fall on July 1, 2024, would continue to receive their yearly wage increase. After that, they will switch to the new salary points specified in the CBA, which means they will get the benefits of both the reviewed salary conversion and their annual raise.
Increases in Salary Each Year
TSC’s compliance with the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015) is another indication of its dedication to honoring and praising Kenyan teachers’ laborious efforts.
The yearly pay rise procedure will proceed in accordance with the terms of the new CBA. This clause is essential to making sure that teachers’ pay increases in line with their increasing expertise and contributions to the educational process.
Dissecting the New Compensation Scheme
It is useful to look at the particular areas covered by the agreement in order to gain a better understanding of the implications of this phase of the CBA. Significant alterations have been made to the remuneration system, such as the rearranging of job titles, pay ranges, and allowances.
Salary scales and job titles:
The TSC has decided to keep the current job names, which are uniform for instructors in all grade levels. Tables 1 through 12 of the circular, which classify the various teaching roles, lay out the revised grading and salary schemes.
For example, a Chief Principal on T-scale 15 and grade D5 should anticipate an increase in pay from Ksh 131,380 in 2023 to Ksh 162,539 in 2024.
Similar to this, when they adjust to new compensation points throughout the course of the upcoming year, Senior Principals, Principals, Deputy Principals, Senior Masters, and other grades of Secondary and Primary Teachers will receive pay increases.
The pay points for each grade have been painstakingly modified to account for both the growing expense of living and the vital function that educators play in the upbringing of Kenya’s future generations.
Allowances:
The reviewed CBA also addresses the issue of allowances, particularly house allowances, which have been clustered based on geographic locations. Previously, there were four clusters; however, the new agreement has reduced this to three. Teachers in Cluster 4, which has now been phased out, will be shifted to Cluster 3. The clusters are organized as follows:
- Cluster 1: Nairobi City
- Cluster 2: Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru Cities, Nyeri, Eldoret, Thika, Kisii, Malindi, and Kitale municipalities.
- Cluster 3: All other areas.
These new house allowance rates vary significantly depending on location, with teachers in Nairobi City receiving the highest rates.
For example, a teacher in grade B5 in Nairobi will receive a house allowance of Ksh 6,750, while their counterparts in Cluster 2 will receive Ksh 4,500, and those in Cluster 3 will receive Ksh 3,850. These variations are designed to address the different costs of living across Kenya’s diverse regions.
Additionally, hardship allowances, commuter allowances, annual leave allowances, and disability guide allowances remain unchanged from the previous agreement. This means that teachers working in challenging or remote areas will continue to receive support to mitigate the difficulties of their work environment.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on Kenyan Education
The implementation of this second phase of the CBA marks a significant step in the ongoing transformation of Kenya’s education sector.
By ensuring that teachers are better compensated for their work, the government aims to boost morale, improve the quality of teaching, and ultimately enhance the educational outcomes for Kenyan students.
The reviewed CBA not only seeks to standardize salaries but also addresses broader issues of teacher welfare. By maintaining and improving various allowances, the agreement ensures that teachers are able to focus on their primary role: educating the next generation of Kenyans.
Furthermore, this development comes at a critical time when Kenya’s education system is undergoing various reforms, including the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The success of these reforms depends heavily on the motivation and dedication of teachers. As such, the CBA serves as a tool for motivating teachers and ensuring they are well-positioned to implement these ambitious reforms.
Looking Ahead: What Will Teachers Do Next?
Even though the 2021–2025 CBA’s second phase is already in progress, thoughts are already shifting to the future.
Talks on the next CBA are probably going to start when the current one expires in June 2025, and teacher unions are probably going to fight for more advancements in pay and working conditions.
This agreement has effects beyond just monetary recompense. It also signifies a more widespread understanding of the importance of educators in Kenyan culture.
The TSC and the government are recognizing the crucial role that educators play in forming the future of the country by making sure that teachers are adequately compensated.
Difficulties and Fears
Even while the CBA’s adoption is generally regarded as a move in the right direction, issues still need to be resolved.
The fact that intern teachers are not eligible for the new wage structures’ benefits is one issue that certain teacher unions have brought up.
Many people think that future CBAs should include intern teachers since they are essential in addressing Kenya’s teacher shortage.
The sufficiency of the allowances is another topic of continuous dispute, especially in light of the growing expense of living.
Although the CBA has made progress in raising compensation and benefits, some educators believe that these increases might not be sufficient to keep up with the rising expenses of housing, transportation, and other necessities.
In summary
For the teaching profession in Kenya, the second phase of the 2021–2025 CBA’s implementation marks a noteworthy turning point. Through the provision of explicit criteria for job titles, allowances, and wage increments, the TSC is guaranteeing that educators receive improved support for their work.
This CBA will be essential in ensuring that educators stay inspired and dedicated to provide all Kenyan pupils a top-notch education while the nation works to improve its educational system.
KUPPET: Comprehensive Guide to the 2021–2025 CBA for Kenyan Teachers.
