Kenya’s education sector has been experiencing tension due to long-standing disputes regarding pay and working conditions for teachers.

This issue has become particularly prominent following the 2024 strike actions by university lecturers, which have drawn attention to the widening gap between the demands of educators and the government’s ability to meet them.

The pay dispute has its roots in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the government, which promised salary increments and improved working conditions.

However, as of 2024, many teachers and lecturers still claim that these promises have not been fully honored. While the government has made incremental adjustments to pay scales, the increases have often been lower than expected, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

In addition to salary issues, there are also concerns about the management of public universities, where lecturers have been particularly vocal. The ongoing strike at institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University reflects deeper issues of funding and governance within these educational bodies. Lecturers have demanded better pay, improved working conditions, and increased funding for research and teaching resources.

One of the central concerns for lecturers is the disparity in pay between those in higher education institutions and their counterparts in other government departments. Despite the critical role that universities play in the development of the nation, lecturers feel undervalued and overburdened with increasing workloads.

They argue that without adequate compensation and recognition, it will be challenging to deliver the quality of education required to drive Kenya's development.

The impact of these disputes is far-reaching, affecting not only educators but also students. Strikes disrupt learning, leading to delays in academic calendars, which ultimately affect graduation timelines and the overall academic progression of students. This has led to frustrations from parents and students, who often have little say in the outcome of these negotiations but bear the brunt of the disruptions.

On the other hand, the government has expressed its concern over the sustainability of these pay rises in light of the country’s broader economic challenges, including inflation and public debt.

The Ministry of Education and the Treasury have often pointed to the difficulty of balancing the demands of educators with the need to manage a tight national budget.

While both sides have occasionally reached temporary agreements, lasting solutions have been elusive. The education sector’s reliance on government funding makes it difficult for teachers and lecturers to seek alternative ways to boost their income.

Furthermore, the absence of a well-established system for handling grievances and ensuring consistent dialogue has perpetuated the issue.

As the country moves into 2025, the resolution of these pay disputes will remain a critical issue. The government and education unions must find common ground to ensure that the education system remains strong and sustainable, with fair compensation for the educators who shape the future of the nation.

The continued protest action and strike actions, if unresolved, could deepen the education crisis and threaten Kenya’s long-term development goals.