KNUT pushes for a two-year cycle CBAs to make them more responsive

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has proposed a reduction of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) cycles from the current four years to two years, citing recommendations from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the proposal aims to make CBAs more responsive to the changing economic and professional needs of teachers.

Speaking in Trans Nzoia County during the KNUT branch elections, Oyuu revealed that the union has already submitted 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 Education (CBE) to Grade 10, noting that the challenges being experienced are normal in any major education reform.

“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 solutions.

The KNUT boss further commended the government for increasing the annual employment of teachers from 5,000 to help address staffing shortages in schools.

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He noted that over 100,000 teachers have been employed since the Kenya Kwanza administration took office.

He also welcomed the government’s decision to allow demoralised teachers to apply for relocation to their home areas, terming it a morale-boosting measure.

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.

Elsewhere, Trans Nzoia Knut saw Wilberforce Wamalwa elected unopposed as Branch Chairman, while George Wanjala and Phoebe Maneno retained their positions as Executive Secretary and Branch Treasurer respectively without opposition.

In contested races, Anthony Kalenda won the Vice Chairperson seat, Domnic Kiboi was elected Assistant Executive Secretary, and Juliah Mwasame became Assistant Treasurer.

Patricia Melisa secured the Woman Representative position, while Levi Wekesa was elected PWD Representative.

Members also elected Branch Executive Committee (BEC) representatives from various zones, including Barabara Tuwei and Anne Wairimu (Kaplamai), Rose Yano and Enock Mandila (Kwanza), Paul Wafubwa (Endebess), Roy Sandui (Saboti), Anthony Malemo (Kiminini), Sylvia Mbugua (Central Zone), Vivian Walusala (Township), and Kemboi Maraswa (Cherangani).

By OSBORNE BENN