Government to Revisit Hardship Allowance Policy Following Uproar.
The Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, has announced that the government will conduct additional consultations with education stakeholders regarding the recent decision by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to remove hardship allowances for teachers working in remote and underdeveloped regions of the country.
This move has drawn heavy criticism from political leaders and teacher unions representing the affected areas, who have described the decision as unjust and poorly considered.
Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo emphasized that Elgeyo Marakwet is among the regions considered hardship areas. He cautioned that removing the hardship allowance would likely result in a mass departure of teachers and civil servants from the area.
PS Julius Bitok responded by reiterating the government’s commitment to dialogue, stating that they would not impose policies unilaterally but would instead listen to all parties involved before making decisions on hardship allowances.
The government assured teachers stationed in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo that their hardship allowances would remain intact. The PS stated that the government had received a proposal in Parliament to scrap these allowances but emphasized that as representatives of the people, they would not allow that to happen. Teachers were urged to remain in their posts as the government worked to protect their benefits.
Unique Conditions in Marakwet County Recognized
Kimaiyo further explained that Marakwet County consists of three main geographical zones—Kerio Valley, Hanging Valley, and the Islands—all of which face unique challenges that qualify them for hardship status.
He noted the area’s harsh climate, adding that teachers transferred from warmer regions would struggle to cope without adequate compensation, underlining the necessity of maintaining the hardship allowance for staff retention.
Kalenjin Members of Parliament strongly opposed efforts to eliminate hardship allowances for teachers working in parts of Baringo County.
Mogotio MP Kiborek Reuben announced that when Parliament resumes, they will seek a formal statement to identify the individual or group behind what they described as an unconstitutional and aggressive push to remove the benefit. The legislator assured that any such attempt would be firmly resisted.
The MPs gave a firm assurance to teachers posted in regions such as Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo that their hardship allowances would remain intact.
The leaders emphasized that a proposal had been tabled in Parliament to discontinue these payments, but assured educators that their representatives would fight to ensure the allowance is maintained permanently. Teachers were urged to remain committed to their roles as the leaders pledged to stand by them.
Geography and Conditions Justify Hardship Status
Lawmakers pointed out that the challenging geography and severe conditions in Elgeyo Marakwet County, including the Kerio Valley, Arror Valley, and the island regions, fully justify the hardship classification.
They described the area as extremely cold and lacking basic infrastructure, including roads. They expressed concern that relocating teachers from more temperate areas like Ghana to teach in such conditions would prove ineffective and unsustainable.
One of the MPs disclosed that they had already submitted a statement to the Senate, demanding a reversal of the proposal to remove the hardship status.
They warned that if the decision is not rescinded, residents of Elgeyo Marakwet would unite and take action to defend their rights. The lawmakers questioned the inconsistency in standards, noting that regions like Baringo and West Pokot face similar conditions, yet only some are targeted for allowance removal.
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The MPs stressed that the government is open to consultation and listens to all stakeholders, including unions. They affirmed that the administration, which considers itself responsive to citizen concerns, would review the situation collaboratively to ensure just outcomes regarding hardship allowances.
Finally, the legislators highlighted President William Ruto’s dedication to strengthening the education system. They cited his support for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which they described as an internationally recognized educational model. They emphasized that ensuring a stable and motivated teaching workforce is key to the success of this curriculum.
Government to Revisit Hardship Allowance Policy Following Uproar.
