INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS OF ACADEMICS & RESEARCH - IJARKE ISSN: 2617-703X IJARKE Humanities & Social Sciences Journal DOI: 10.32898/ihssj.02/8.1article02 www.ijarke.com 9 IJARKE PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL Vol. 8, Issue 1 Aug. – Oct. 2025 Trade Union Activities and their Impact on Employee Performance: A Case of Knut Teachers in Kisumu County Odindo O. Griffin, Kisii University, Kenya Josephine Ondari, Kisii University, Kenya Erick N. Onsongo, Kisii University, Kenya 1. Introduction A trade union is an association of employees aimed at regulating employer-employee relationships, primarily through collective bargaining (Labour Relations Act, 2017). Unions negotiate wages, working conditions, safety, and grievance procedures (ILO, 2023). Studies highlight their role in digital workplace transitions, fair pay, and inclusive policies (Wanjiru et al., 2021). In Japan, Enterprise-based unions focus on firm-specific issues, with federations negotiating industry-wide agreements (Ruth et al., 2020). While in, South Africa, unionized firms show higher productivity due to structured dispute resolution (Madheswaran & Shanmugam, 2019). Whereas, in Singapore, tripartite collaboration (government, employers, unions) enhances wage flexibility and job security (ILO, 2023). Kenya faces frequent strikes due to delayed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), unpaid salaries, and stalled negotiations, disrupting education and healthcare (KIPPRA, 2021). Unions like KNUT advocate for teacher welfare but struggle with neoliberal policies weakening their influence (ILO, 2020). Industrial actions, while effective, often harm educational outcomes (Omolo & Malenya, 2022). Traditional financial metrics are increasingly supplemented by non-financial indicators like job satisfaction and skills alignment (Aguinis, 2019). In Kenya, the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) system evaluates teachers but faces union pushback over fairness (TSC, 2021). KNUT’s advocacy balances appr aisal rigor with teacher welfare (Ouma, 2022). Unions enhance worker control through policy advocacy, training, and corporate governance participation (Godard, 2022). KNUT’s professional programs improve teacher skills and motivation (ILO, 2023). However, globalization and anti-union policies challenge their efficacy (Budd, 2021). Trade unions remain vital for fair labor practices and worker empowerment, though adapting to modern labor dynamics is critical for sustained relevance. 2. Statement of the Problem INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS OF ACADEMICS & RESEARCH (IJARKE Humanities & Social Sciences Journal) Abstract This study examined the impact of trade union activities on employee performance among members of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in public primary schools across Kisumu County. The study focused on four core union functions: collective bargaining, representation, industrial action, and social welfare activities. Guided by the Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity (AMO) theory and Stakeholder theory, the research adopted a descriptive survey design using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 196 KNUT members, achieving a 91.8% response rate (180 responses). In addition, qualitative data were gathered through interviews with 10 head teachers, one from each sub-county. The study employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between trade union activities and employee performance. Correlation results showed strong positive associations between all independent variables and employee performance, with the highest correlation observed between representation and performance (r = 0.822, p < 0.01). Regression analysis confirmed that all four predictors had statistically significant effects on performance: industrial action (β = .310, p < 0.001), representation (β = .306, p < 0.001), social welfare (β = .276, p < 0.001), and collective bargaining (β = .179, p < 0.001). The model accounted for 84.4% of the variance in employee performance (R² = .844). Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative results, with head teachers reporting that union engagement has positively influenced teachers’ morale, working conditions, and job satisfaction. The study concludes that trade union activities significantly enhance employee performance and recommends that unions strengthen policy alignment, communication strategies, and member engagement to sustain these outcomes. Key words: Disaster Response, Command System, Emergencies, Nairobi City County