Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced that public school teachers nationwide will receive their July and August salary increments by Friday, August 30, 2024. This announcement comes as part of the government’s commitment to fulfilling the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and following the recent release of Ksh.13.5 billion by the National Treasury.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CS Ogamba emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing teachers’ concerns. He noted that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been working diligently to ensure timely payment of the salary raises. “As proof of the Government’s good faith and commitment, the Teachers Service Commission has worked round the clock to ensure that all public school teachers are paid their July and August salary raises by Friday this week,” Ogamba said.
This move is intended to restore full industrial harmony in the education sector. The government is currently engaged in negotiations with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to resolve outstanding issues. The government is confident that these talks will lead to KUPPET members returning to work, particularly now that the second phase of the CBA has been fully implemented and other administrative issues are being addressed by the TSC.
The timely release of funds is crucial as schools reopen on Monday, August 26, 2024. On Sunday, the government released Ksh.21.8 billion to all public institutions to ensure a smooth start to the new term. This funding is intended to support various educational needs, including Ksh.1.6 billion for free primary education, Ksh.6.1 billion for free day junior school education, and Ksh.14.1 billion for free day secondary education.
This financial support was essential given the threat of a nationwide teachers’ strike scheduled to coincide with the reopening of schools for the third term. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has since called off its planned strike, but KUPPET has continued with its action. The government’s recent actions are seen as efforts to preemptively address the issues that led to the strike threats.
In addition to salary increments, CS Ogamba highlighted other significant measures being taken by the government. On Sunday, President Dr. William Samoei Ruto announced plans to employ an additional 20,000 teachers by the end of the year to address staff shortages in public schools. Furthermore, the government has allocated Ksh.18.7 billion for converting intern teachers to permanent and pensionable status in January 2025. These steps are aimed at resolving the major issues that triggered strike notices and ensuring a stable educational environment.
CS Ogamba also urged primary school teachers who have not yet returned to work to do so promptly. It is crucial for teachers to prepare students for national assessments and examinations and to complete the syllabus for other classes, ensuring a smooth transition between educational levels.
For technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, the government is working with the National Treasury to disburse Ksh.3.3 billion in capitation, scholarship grants, and loans for trainees. This funding aims to support seamless operations in TVET institutions and ensure the convenience of trainees.
In a related development, the Employment and Labour Relations Court has temporarily halted the nationwide KUPPET strike pending the outcome of a case filed by the TSC. This legal intervention underscores the urgency and complexity of the situation, highlighting the ongoing negotiations and efforts to address the teachers’ concerns comprehensively.
Overall, the government’s recent actions reflect a concerted effort to address key issues in the education sector, provide financial support, and restore stability ahead of the new school term.
