On October 5, 2026, President William Ruto addressed teachers during World Teachers' Day in Kasarani, Nairobi County. He promised to consider the teachers' plea to shorten the review cycle of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) from four years to two years. This move aims to improve the welfare of teachers in Kenya. The current CBA, signed in July 2025, outlines a four-year plan for salary increases.
The proposed change to a two-year cycle will be considered after the completion of the current 2025–2029 CBA. President Ruto assured teachers that he would take their request as "homework" and provide answers in due course. The current CBA has already implemented a basic salary increase for teachers spread over four years, with the first phase implemented in July 2025 and the second phase in July 2026.
To ensure the agreement stays on schedule, the 2026/2027 budget has provided for an additional Ksh.8.1 billion. President Ruto highlighted that teachers are now benefiting from the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has improved their access to health services. With SHA, teachers can now receive in-patient services in 3,871 facilities, up from 900, doubling visit rates from 7% to 14%.
As of September 2026, SHA has covered 415,608 teachers and 884,392 dependants. President Ruto also mentioned that the government is fast-tracking the remuneration of retirement benefits to teachers. This move, brokered with the Teacher's Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Treasury, aims to see teachers receiving benefits within 10 days of leaving office.
The Pension Management Information System was implemented by TSC and the Treasury on July 1, 2026, to fast-track retirement benefits. Records are being uploaded, and within the next three months, teachers' retirement benefits will be paid within 10 days of retirement. This change is expected to greatly benefit teachers who have been waiting for their retirement benefits.
President Ruto previously agreed to reduce the CBA period during a meeting with 10,000 teachers at State House. He tasked the TSC, the Ministry of Education, and teacher unions to deliberate on the matter and propose an appropriate CBA period. The President commended teachers for embracing dialogue over salaries and other terms of employment.
The government's efforts to address teachers' concerns aim to prevent protests and strikes. President Ruto emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving matters that can be solved amicably. By considering the teachers' plea and implementing changes, the government hopes to improve the welfare of teachers in Kenya.
Key points
- President Ruto promises to consider shortening the CBA cycle from four years to two years.
- The 2026/2027 budget provides for an additional Ksh.8.1 billion to keep the CBA on schedule.
- SHA has covered 415,608 teachers and 884,392 dependants as of September 2026.
