Fresh Blow to TSC as Union Rejects New Staff Employment Plan.
A decision by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to convert secretariat staff from contract employment to permanent and pensionable terms has triggered a dispute with the Kenya Independent Commissions Workers Union (KICOWU), which is demanding the immediate suspension of the transition pending consultations and employee participation.
The dispute arises following the implementation of Teachers Service Commission Circular No. 7/2026, Ref. TSC/ADM/192A/VOL.X/82, dated June 8, 2026, which outlines the change of terms of service for secretariat staff employed by the commission.
In a letter dated July 16, 2026, addressed to the Teachers Service Commission, KICOWU Secretary-General Njeru Kanyamba stated that the circular directly affects union members and requested that its implementation be halted until concerns raised by the union are addressed.
Union Seeks Employee Choice in Transition
According to KICOWU, employees currently serving on contract terms should be granted the option of either remaining on their existing contractual arrangements or voluntarily transitioning to permanent and pensionable employment.
The union stated that the circular should not compel employees to migrate to new employment terms without providing an opportunity to make an informed decision.
“The circular should provide an option for our members who are currently on contract terms to either remain under their existing contracts or voluntarily transition to permanent and pensionable terms,” KICOWU Secretary-General Njeru Kanyamba stated.
The union consequently called on the Teachers Service Commission to suspend the rollout of the circular until its concerns are fully considered.
“In light of the foregoing, the union hereby demands that the commission immediately halt and suspend the rollout and implementation of this circular until all the above-listed concerns and demands are fully addressed,” the union stated.
Concerns Over Salaries and Existing Financial Commitments
KICOWU also raised concerns regarding the financial implications of the transition, arguing that employees currently serving on contract have long-term financial obligations based on their existing remuneration packages.
The union maintained that the transition should not result in salary reductions or unilateral deductions that could adversely affect employees’ earnings.
According to the union, any adjustments that reduce employees’ remuneration should only be implemented after obtaining the affected employees’ express written authority and consent.
“Any unilateral deductions or downward adjustments must only occur with their express written authority and consent,” the union stated.
Union Accuses TSC of Failing to Conduct Consultations
The Kenya Independent Commissions Workers Union further accused the Teachers Service Commission of implementing the changes without conducting adequate stakeholder engagement or public participation.
According to the union, TSC did not consult KICOWU despite its statutory role in representing the affected employees.
The union is seeking full involvement in the planning, structuring and implementation of the circular, as well as participation in future decisions affecting its members.
KICOWU maintains that implementation of the circular should remain suspended until consultations are concluded and all concerns raised by the union have been addressed.
Dispute Follows Earlier Salary Negotiations
The latest dispute follows an earlier engagement between KICOWU and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regarding employment terms for staff serving in independent commissions.
In April 2026, the union submitted a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission seeking improved remuneration and employment conditions for workers employed in independent commissions.
Among the proposals submitted were:
- Salary increases ranging from 20 per cent for the highest-paid employees to 50 per cent for the lowest-paid workers.
- Enhanced allowances.
- Improved medical benefits.
- Stronger job security provisions.
The union stated that employees in independent commissions had not previously been accorded an opportunity to negotiate remuneration through a legally binding Collective Bargaining Agreement.
KICOWU further cited rising inflation and the increasing cost of living, arguing that its members had not received salary reviews comparable to those granted to other public service employees.
Current Dispute Focuses on Implementation Process
While the earlier engagement with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission centred on salary reviews and improved employment benefits, the current dispute focuses on the implementation of Teachers Service Commission Circular No. 7/2026 concerning the conversion of secretariat staff from contract employment to permanent and pensionable terms.
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KICOWU has maintained that the implementation process should provide employees with the freedom to choose whether to remain on contract or transition to permanent and pensionable employment, safeguard existing remuneration, and involve the union throughout the implementation process.
At the time of the union’s letter dated July 16, 2026, KICOWU had formally requested the Teachers Service Commission to suspend implementation of the circular pending consultations and resolution of the issues raised.
Fresh Blow to TSC as Union Rejects New Staff Employment Plan.
