A sharp disagreement has emerged between Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu and Safina Party Deputy Leader Willis Otieno over the newly negotiated salary increment for teachers.
While Oyuu has rallied teachers to support the five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2025–2029, Otieno, who is also a High Court advocate, has dismissed the deal as an insult to the teaching fraternity.
“Teachers should appreciate what has been achieved so far and trust the union to push for more in subsequent negotiations,” said Oyuu.
Speaking during the burial of the late mother of KNUT Bondo Branch Chairman Isaiah Oulo in Bondo Sub-county, Oyuu also raised concerns over recent discussions on reducing capitation funds for schools.
He warned the government against undermining free basic education, stressing that KNUT would strongly oppose any such move.
Otieno, who also attended the burial, countered Oyuu’s praise of the salary deal, asserting that Kenyan teachers deserve significantly more given their role in shaping the nation.
“This new agreement fails to reflect the true value of Kenyan teachers; it is a total mockery of their contribution,” added Otieno.
However, Otieno aligned with Oyuu on the capitation issue, condemning recent proposals by some executive members to reduce school funding.
He said that the focus should be on expanding access to free basic education and not rolling back progress in education funding.
