The reality of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), worth Sh33.8 billion, has left thousands of teachers disappointed after they received their July pay slips.
While the figure for salary enhancements appears impressive, some teachers say the much-touted increments are barely noticeable. Others have questioned the transparency and fairness of the implementation process, particularly in light of the rising cost of living. They have accused the unions of signing a deal that falls short of their expectations.
According to the new CBA, teachers in the highest job group (D5) are set to earn up to Ksh167,415, marking a five percent increase in their salaries. The lowest-paid teachers (Grade B5) will see their pay rise from around Ksh23,000 to approximately Ksh29,000 per month.
“We were pushing for the lowest-paid teachers, those earning around Sh25,000, to receive a 100 percent increase. On the other hand, the highest-paid teachers would get a 50 percent raise. This structure ensures that the pay gap between the lowest and highest earners is significantly narrowed, promoting equity and boosting morale across the board,” said Moses Nthurima, the deputy secretary-general of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet).
However, teachers from across the country have expressed anger after receiving minimal salary increases in their July payslips, despite the recent signing of the CBA, which had raised hopes of significantly better pay and improved working conditions.
“It’s unfortunate that people think teachers received billions, yet in reality, it’s almost nothing. I only got a Sh1,000 increment, and after deductions, I was left with just Sh600. In this economy, what can Sh600 even do? It doesn’t make sense. Honestly, it feels like the signing of the CBA was influenced by under-the-table dealings or something. How is it possible for Sh33 billion to be allocated, yet teachers are receiving less than Sh1,000 in increments?” said a teacher from Kakamega.
Teachers have expressed frustration over what they perceive as skewed implementation of the CBA. Many allege that those in administrative roles received significant salary increases while classroom teachers were left behind.
“I am in job group C3, my increment was Sh1,787, of course PAYE, SHIF, housing levy and pension went with some cash, which I understand. My problem is my union (Kuppet). They made a double deduction on my payslip, Sh1,063 and Sh456. I want to believe that the Sh456 is meant for CBA negotiations, but why should we pay them again yet we pay them monthly? This is oppression by our union,” said another frustrated teacher.
Teachers are circulating payslips online showing salary increases as low as Sh360 for some senior teachers.
“Honestly, where is the much-publicised teachers’ pay rise? How can a teacher receive an increment of just Sh256, yet we were told we would be smiling all the way to the bank? Over four years, that amounts to barely Sh1,000. The only ones benefiting from this embarrassment are the unions. Teachers are doomed. I wouldn’t even advise my own child to pursue this profession. Why are we being deducted union dues when we gain nothing from it?" posed a teacher from Nairobi.
In a press statement, Kuppet Vihiga County branch raised the alarm over what it termed "illegal deductions" appearing on teachers' payslips for July 2025. In a letter addressed to Secretary-General Akelo Misori, the Vihiga branch demanded an immediate explanation for a controversial deduction coded as 'KUPPET - Union SwaL', which they claim was imposed without the consent of the members.
“After the much hyped CBA 2025-2029, our members received with great shock this illegal deduction in the form of a loan to the Kuppet National office. The 'loan deduction', which is coded as Kuppet -Union SwaL, and which is expected to run for 6 months as per our estimates, has left many of our members with negative salary increases for July. It is also important to note that this is not the first time that our members’ payslips are being raided without approvals under your long tenure as the Secretary-General,” said Sabala Inyeni, the branch secretary.
The Vihiga leadership has issued an ultimatum, calling on Mr Misori to explain how and when the deductions were approved, and by which union organ.
“We demand that the Secretary-General clarifies the steps being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future, initiates immediate refunds and provides a timeline for reimbursement,” said Mr Inyeni.
“We are afraid that this move is aimed at demonising branch officials for political gains,” the letter stated, further warning that failure to respond within 14 days would compel them to mobilise members to demand their rights “in the best manner possible, in line with our union Constitution and the labour laws in general.”
