KNUT Demands Teachers Salary Increase, Timely Retirement Benefits
Patrick Munuhe, national chairman of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), has urged the government to implement salary increases to alleviate teachers’ escalating financial strain.
In June of this year, according to Munuhe, the President issued a directive for a 7–10% salary increase for government employees.
The increase was intended to mitigate the effects of various levies, particularly the controversial housing levy. However, Munuhe blamed the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for actions that impeded the directive’s implementation.
This, according to Munuhe, had a negative impact on teachers’ paychecks due to National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions. He vehemently demanded an end to NSSF deductions.
Regarding retirement benefits, Munuhe argued that retired educators should receive their dues within 90 days of retirement.
He warned that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would face legal action if this deadline was not adhered to and expeditious salary payments were not made.
Given the escalating cost of living, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and teacher salaries.
Munuhe has been very dissatisfied with the lack of advancement on these issues ever since the TSC discussions in 2021.
Munuhe emphasized that the signing of the CBA would not take place until the essential teachers’ concerns were addressed.
“We are not signing the CBA until these fundamental issues are resolved,” stated Munuhe, emphasizing the teachers’ unwavering commitment to securing equitable terms.
The executive secretary of the Knut Trans Nzoia branch, George Wanjala, pleaded with the TSC to address staffing issues, notably in Endebess, Chepchoina Chepsiro, Kwanza, and Saboti zones.
Wanjala issued a cautionary statement, pointing out that there has been a noticeable migration of teachers to neighboring counties that provide hardship allowances. He expressed concern that if this issue is not promptly resolved, it could result in imbalances among teachers.
KNUT Demands Teachers Salary Increase, Timely Retirement Benefits