TSC secures CBA funds, urges teachers to report Monday

Teachers Service Commission Secretary and CEO Nancy Macharia. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) announced on Wednesday, August 21, that funds have been secured for the delayed implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

 The commission urged teachers to report to schools on Monday as unions consider the potential withdrawal of a strike notice.

The move comes after President William Ruto directed the TSC to engage with 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) following a strike notice issued over unresolved issues affecting public school teachers.

"The government has provided funds for the implementation of the second phase of the CBA, effective July 1, 2024," said TSC Secretary Nancy Macharia.

 "We urge all teachers to resume work on Monday as schools open for the third term."

The CBA's delayed implementation topped the agenda in discussions between the TSC and the unions.

The commission also addressed other issues raised by the unions, including the ongoing review of Career Progression Guidelines, the up-to-date remittance of third-party deductions and access to both public and private hospitals under the Teachers Medical Scheme.

Macharia noted that the government has also provided resources for the retooling of teachers for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

 Additionally, the TSC has promoted 51,232 teachers through competitive promotions and a further 20,000 on the common cadre annually.

"The unions have taken note of the TSC's position and agreed to consult their internal organs regarding the strike notice," said Macharia.

"We thank the unions for their engagement in ensuring non-disruption of learning in schools during the third term."

Macharia expressed gratitude to the government for its support despite economic challenges and praised teachers and stakeholders for their dedication to maintaining smooth learning activities.

"The TSC remains committed to providing a conducive working environment for all teachers," she added.

 "We ask our teachers to report to schools on Monday now that the necessary funds have been released."