(KNUT SG Collins Oyuu Speaks to the media at his office photo by Grace Mwende
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Secretary General Collins Oyuu, has provided important updates regarding ongoing discussions between the union and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Speaking to Opera News the SG addressed both the phased implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers into permanent positions.
Oyuu revealed that the union had received a letter from the TSC on July 9, 2024, signaling the progression into the second phase of the CBA.
“We are not yet late because this is the time we present the memorandum, the month of July. We had to work extra hard,” he said, emphasizing the union’s commitment to advancing negotiations on the CBA’s next phase.
According to Oyuu, the second phase of the CBA has brought two significant benefits. First, it has opened the way for discussions on the new CBA covering 2025-2029, which the TSC is expected to receive shortly.
Secondly, the monetary benefits associated with this phase, including arrears for July and expectations for August, are set to be implemented, marking progress in the negotiations.
The SG also addressed growing concerns among teachers about the status of 46,000 intern teachers who had been awaiting confirmation.
“Initially, there was a program to confirm 26,000 intern teachers to permanent positions, followed by another 20,000. The government has confirmed that the total of 46,000 will all be confirmed by January 2025,” Oyuu assured, highlighting the union's efforts in pushing for this outcome.
In addition to confirming intern teachers, Oyuu noted the KNUT's ongoing push to secure the employment of an additional 20,000 teachers, which is particularly critical to supporting the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
He emphasized that those teachers who upgraded their qualifications to handle CBC should be prioritized for employment.
“This lot should be given first priority. The teacher shortage is still biting, and if we have them employed immediately, the better for the teaching fraternity,” he said.
Oyuu also touched on the financial challenges surrounding the employment of the teachers. Responding to concerns about whether the government has allocated sufficient funds to ensure all teachers are transitioned to permanent and pensionable positions (PNP), he stated, “The government should avail money and ensure that these teachers are turned into PNP. This is an important issue for both teachers and the future of education in Kenya.”
As negotiations continue between KNUT and TSC, teachers across the country will be watching closely for further updates on the CBA and the confirmation of intern teachers.