The Mt Kenya Times 
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) National Executive Council led by Secretary General Collins Oyuu (Center), National Chairman Patrick Munuhe (right) and National Treasurer James Ndiku addressing journalists at the Union’s headquarters in Nairobi on August 25, 2024.
By Cynthia Masibo
In a significant development, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has called off its planned strike, which was set to commence at midnight on August 25, 2024. The decision came after Knut reported substantial progress in addressing several critical issues raised by the union.
Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu announced that the National Executive Council (NEC) had resolved to withdraw the strike notice, citing advancements in resolving the issues. Oyuu stated, “The NEC has therefore, today August 25, 2024, agreed to withdraw the strike action notice which was elapsing midnight August 25, 2024, since we have commenced addressing the remaining matters administratively.”
The union’s decision to call off the strike, set to begin on August 26, 2024, is a temporary reprieve. Knut emphasized that while the strike notice has been withdrawn, the union reserves the right to resume strike action if their demands are not fully met. Oyuu directed teachers to report to work starting Monday, August 26, 2024, urging them to stay steadfast as negotiations continue.
The union had initially raised five key demands, including;Immediate implementation of the second phase of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Knut and the Teacher Service Commission (TSC),remittance of accrued third-party deductions to various organizations,Conversion of 46,000 Junior School teachers to Permanent and Pensionable terms and employment of 20,000 new teachers and promotion of 130,000 teachers who have been stagnating on various job grades.
In recent negotiations with the TSC, several of these demands were addressed. Oyuu reported that the second phase of the salary award for teachers was factored into their August 2024 salaries, and third-party deductions were remitted to relevant institutions. Furthermore, 51,232 teachers were promoted through competitive interviews, and the process is ongoing. The TSC also assured that teachers would continue to have access to both public and private medical services.
Despite these advancements, Knut expressed concerns over some unresolved issues and perceived inconsistencies in political and governmental promises. Oyuu highlighted that critical demands such as the conversion of intern teachers to Permanent and Pensionable terms and the hiring of new teachers remain unresolved. He stressed that addressing these issues is crucial for improving the quality of education, especially as the nation transitions to the new curriculum under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Knut’s decision to call off the strike reflects a temporary compromise, with both sides showing commitment to resolving the issues. However, the union remains vigilant and will continue to push for full implementation of their demands.
As the situation develops, educators and stakeholders will be closely watching to see if the promises made will be fulfilled and whether further action will be required to address the remaining concerns of Kenya’s teachers.
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