The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised serious concerns over the government’s failure to allocate funds for teachers’ promotions in the Appropriation Bill 2024. Ann Cheruiyot, the Executive Secretary of KNUT’s Kericho Branch, voiced the union’s discontent during a press briefing yesterday. Teachers across the country had anticipated a salary increase as outlined in their 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), but the recent developments have left them feeling demoralized and frustrated.
Teachers’ Growing Frustration
Cheruiyot highlighted that teachers have exercised patience for an extended period, expecting that the government would honor its commitment to salary increases. The CBA, which was signed in 2021, laid out a clear framework for salary adjustments and promotions. However, the lack of funding in the Appropriation Bill 2024 has dashed these expectations, leaving teachers feeling let down by the government.
“Teachers have been patient for long and expected that money meant for salary increase would be allocated in the Appropriation Bill 2024. Teachers are unhappy, and we will not go back to school come September if something is not done,” Cheruiyot stated emphatically.
President Ruto’s Unfulfilled Promise
The frustration among teachers is further exacerbated by the fact that President William Ruto had personally assured them that the issue of promotions and salary increases would be addressed. The President’s promise had instilled hope among educators, who believed that the government was committed to honoring the CBA. However, the absence of provisions for salary adjustments in the latest Appropriation Bill has been seen as a betrayal of this promise.
Call for Union Leadership and Local Leaders to Intervene
Cheruiyot urged the KNUT head office to provide clear guidance on the next steps, indicating that teachers in Kericho County are prepared to take drastic measures if their demands are not met. She made it clear that teachers would not resume work when schools reopen for the second term in September unless the government takes immediate action.
“The Union’s head office needs to give direction on the next course of action. Teachers in the county will not go back to work when schools re-open for the second term,” Cheruiyot insisted.
Reinstatement of Hardship Allowances
In addition to the issue of promotions, Cheruiyot called for the reinstatement of hardship allowances for teachers in certain areas of Kericho County. She noted that teachers in Ainamoi, Kipkelion, and Soin/Sigowett had previously received hardship allowances, but these were inexplicably abolished. Cheruiyot argued that the removal of these allowances was a violation of teachers’ rights and demanded their immediate reinstatement.
“Teachers in Ainamoi, Kipkelion, and Soin/Sigowett used to get hardship allowance. However, we don’t know why the allowances were abolished. This is unacceptable, and we want the money back. I ask all elected leaders in our county to intervene urgently,” she added.
Union’s Demand for Full Implementation of CBA
The KNUT and its counterpart, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have been vocal in their demands for the full implementation of the second phase of the CBA. Both unions have warned that if the government fails to meet their demands by the end of this month, they will have no choice but to down tools when the second term resumes in September.
Conclusion
The growing discontent among teachers in Kenya poses a significant challenge for the government, especially as the new school term approaches. With KNUT and KUPPET standing firm on their demands, the potential for a nationwide teachers’ strike looms large. The ball is now in the government’s court to address these grievances and prevent a disruption in the education sector.
