Acting TSC CEO Eveleen Mitei to Lead Negotiations for Teachers’ New CBA

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has called on teachers’ unions to begin discussions for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

This marks the start of negotiations that could significantly alter the pay and working conditions for post-primary teachers over the next four years.

These discussions come amid heightened scrutiny of public sector salaries and growing dissatisfaction among teachers regarding the rising cost of living and stagnation in career advancement, as TSC aims to reconcile the demands of both primary and secondary school educators.

In a letter dated June 24, 2025, addressed to the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and obtained by the Standard, TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei has invited the union to a consultative meeting set for Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

The meeting will take place in the boardroom of the Commission chairman at the TSC headquarters in Nairobi.

“The Commission invites you to a consultative meeting on CBA 2025–2029 on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Commission chairman’s boardroom,” Mitei stated in the letter.

This meeting follows increasing pressure from teachers’ unions urging the government to support educators facing high living costs, stalled promotions, and what they describe as widening salary gaps among job categories.

Last week, KUPPET issued a seven-day ultimatum to TSC to commence negotiations, warning of potential nationwide strikes.

“We don’t want our members to be overly exposed. If TSC does not take action, we will withdraw our labor,” said Misori.

KUPPET is advocating for a 100% increase in basic pay for lower job groups, a 50% increase for higher positions, a 20% rise in housing allowances, a 100% increase in hardship allowances, and a 250% hike in commuter allowances. They are also calling for the introduction of overtime, risk, and hazard pay, as well as reforms in career progression to allow teachers to start at Grade C1 instead of B5.

In response to the invitation, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori expressed appreciation for the gesture but urged the TSC to show genuine commitment to addressing teachers’ longstanding issues.

“We are prepared to engage constructively with the Commission, but we expect these discussions to be substantive. Teachers are seeking a meaningful package that reflects the current economic realities,” Misori stated.

The upcoming negotiations are anticipated to focus on salary increases, enhanced medical coverage, improved promotion criteria, and adjustments to workloads, particularly for educators managing CBC transition classes.