Teachers Frustrated As Gov't Raises Long-Awaited Salary By Just KSh 1k: "We Expected 10k And Above"

• The government released KSh 13.5 billion to hike all public school teachers' pay beginning Friday, August 30
• A Bungoma school principal expressed disappointment, stating that the amount is insufficient considering the current economic climate
• A senior teacher from Homa Bay told TUKO.co.ke that he expected a pay rise of between KSh 10,000 and KSh 20,000

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

President William Ruto has announced a two-month salary increase for all public school teachers, set to take effect by the end of August.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos revealed that the National Treasury had allocated KSh 13.5 billion for this increment, with teachers set to receive an additional KSh 1,000 to KSh 3,000, depending on their job groups.

TUKO.co.ke interviewed several teachers to gauge their reactions. Most expressed disappointment, noting that the increase falls short of expectations given the current economic climate.

How teachers reacted to their salary increase

A principal from a Bungoma school voiced her frustration, explaining that the amount is insufficient to meet their needs in the current harsh economic conditions.

"We hoped the government would act responsibly and avoid frustration. I wish they would honour their promise regarding the CBA. With just KSh 1,000, after deductions, some teachers might end up with only KSh 70. It's just like a drop in the ocean. We expected KSh 10,000 and above, given that this money is long overdue and prices of goods have surged," she said.

She also highlighted the difficulties faced by teachers on BOM, noting that low pay sometimes forces them to fake illness when not paid.

Another primary school head in Makadara constituency, Nairobi, shared similar frustrations, echoing the sentiments of the Bungoma principal.

"The government's approach is very disrespectful. After transaction costs and VAT, the KSh 1,000 barely covers anything. It's only the 'joy of the Lord' that sustains us. However, we remain hopeful because no teacher has ever died from a lack of salary increment," the headteacher remarked.

A senior teacher from Homa Bay county noted that only teachers in rural areas might benefit from the increment due to the additional allowances they receive.

Despite hoping for an increase between KSh 10,000 and KSh 20,000, he expressed disappointment with the outcome.

"I expected the increase to be between KSh 10,000 and KSh 20,000, but as always with the government, we have no alternative options. The amount is quite minimal, and the actions of our leaders only serve to demoralise us. Many teachers leave the profession due to pay issues. Addressing this problem could help restore the profession to its esteemed status," he said.

What are the allowances for Kenyan C3 teachers?

Teachers who are permanently and pensionably employed by the Teachers Service Commission receive various allowances, in addition to their salary.

These allowances differ based on job nature and location.

Remunerative allowances are integrated into the monthly salary, offering teachers regular financial support. On the other hand, reimbursable allowances are refunded after teachers apply to specific expenses.

The allowances cover their accommodation, leave, travel, and hardship among others.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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