The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has formally proposed a reduction of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) cycle from the current four years to two years, citing recommendations from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the proposal is designed to make CBAs more responsive to the evolving economic realities and professional needs of teachers.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County during the KNUT branch elections, Oyuu revealed that the union has already forwarded its recommendations to President William Ruto.
“An effective CBA should not run for four years. We have proposed a two-year cycle, pending ratification by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC),” Oyuu said.
He also addressed concerns surrounding the transition from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to Grade 10, noting that the challenges currently being experienced are typical of any major education reform process.
“Much as the transition is challenging, at least we are somewhere. I thank the Principal Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for coming out publicly to inform Kenyans about the challenges and how they are being addressed,” he said.
Oyuu appealed to parents and other stakeholders to engage constructively in discussions on education reforms rather than resorting to criticism without offering practical solutions.
The KNUT Secretary General further commended the government for increasing the annual recruitment of teachers from 5,000 to help ease staffing shortages in schools.
He noted that over 100,000 teachers have been employed since the Kenya Kwanza administration assumed office.
He also welcomed the government’s decision to allow demoralised teachers to apply for transfers to their home areas, terming it a morale-boosting intervention.
Oyuu praised the Trans Nzoia KNUT branch for its performance, describing it as the third most vibrant branch in the country out of KNUT’s 110 branches nationwide.
Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Education, Janerose Mutana, who represented Governor George Natembeya at the event, criticised the involvement of politicians in the issuance of teacher employment letters.
“We want the responsibility of hiring teachers to be left solely to the Teachers Service Commission so that the process remains fair to all,” Mutana said.
Wilberforce Wamalwa was elected Branch Chairman unopposed, while George Wanjala retained his position as Executive Secretary without opposition. Phoebe Maneno also secured the Branch Treasurer seat unchallenged.
In the closely contested positions, Anthony Kalenda was elected Vice Chairperson, while Domnic Kiboi won the Assistant Executive Secretary post. Juliah Mwasame was elected Assistant Treasurer.
Patricia Melisa was elected Woman Representative, while Levi Wekesa clinched the PWD Representative position.
Members also elected Branch Executive Committee (BEC) representatives from various zones across the county. In Kaplamai, Barabara Tuwei (Male) and Anne Wairimu (Female) were elected. Kwanza will be represented by Rose Yano (Female) and Enock Mandila (Male).
Paul Wafubwa was elected to represent Endebess, while Roy Sandui will serve as the Saboti BEC representative. In Kiminini, Anthony Malemo emerged victorious, while Sylvia Mbugua will represent Central Zone. Vivian Walusala was elected for Township, and Kemboi Maraswa will represent Cherangani.
The elections were conducted peacefully, with delegates expressing confidence in the new leadership to champion teachers’ welfare, improve working conditions, and strengthen union representation in Trans Nzoia County.
