Teachers demand up to 100% salary increase to combat high cost of living
By Lucy Mumbi |
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori argues that the sharp rise in the cost of essential goods since 2017 has had a significant impact on teachers necessitating a salary increase.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is calling for a salary increase of 50 to 100 per cent for its members in a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), citing the high cost of living as a primary concern.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori argues that the sharp rise in the cost of essential goods since 2017 has had a significant impact on teachers necessitating a salary increase.
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"There has been a huge price increment, especially in oil products and other basic commodities used by ordinary citizens," he said during a meeting at AIC Mokombet Church in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday.
Misori also proposed harmonising house allowances nationwide to match those of Nairobi City, with a 20 per cent increment.
Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of extraneous duty allowances, explaining, that "teachers spend long hours standing to cover the curriculum."
Risk allowance
The Union is also calling for the introduction of risk allowances for teachers in hardship areas and those working in laboratories and workshops, to address occupational risks and challenges.
The SG was accompanied by Deputy Secretary Moses Nthurima and National Vice Chairman Julius Korir.
The demands come barely two weeks after the Union met with President William Ruto at State House seeking help over the welfare of teachers.
The meeting came at a time when teachers across the country raised concerns about the non-remittance of union dues by the Teachers Service Commission for the past three months.
Misori indicated that the union briefed the President on important issues in the education sector and the welfare and working conditions of teachers in public service.
"The union sought the President's support for its current programmes, including negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025-2029 cycle," he said.
President Ruto is said to have assured the union of the high premium he attaches to stakeholder engagement and urged Kuppet to support the government in delivering its flagship projects.
He acknowledged that, as the representative of teachers across all facets of work, KUPPET may have grievances that the TSC may not address by itself, such as the allocation of funds for new employment.
"In such matters, he urged us to exhaust the means of dialogue within government all the way to the presidency, and to use industrial action only as a last resort," Misori said.
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