KNUT Slams Government Budget Decisions as Teachers Miss Promotion Benefits
Ann Cheruiyot, the Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kericho Branch, has criticized the government’s failure to allocate additional funds for teacher promotions in the Appropriation Bill 2024.
Addressing the media, Cheruiyot expressed frustration over the lack of salary increases for teachers, as stipulated in their 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Cheruiyot conveyed that the absence of the anticipated funds has left educators feeling demoralized, especially after President William Ruto had personally assured that the issue would be addressed.
“Teachers have been patient for long and expected that money meant for salary increase would be allocated in the Appropriation Bill 2024,” she stated.
Teachers had anticipated that the Appropriation Bill 2024 would include provisions for salary increases.
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The current situation has led to widespread dissatisfaction among teachers, with Cheruiyot asserting that they would not return to school in September if the situation remains unresolved.
Call for Action and Hardship Allowances
In addition, Cheruiyot has urged the Union’s central office to guide on the next steps, indicating that teachers will not resume work at the start of the second term unless action is taken.
She also called for the reinstatement of the hardship allowance for teachers in specific regions, such as Ainamoi, Kipkelion, and Soin/Sigowett, arguing that the removal of these allowances constitutes a violation of teachers’ rights.
“Teachers are unhappy and we will not go back to school come September if something is not done,” she stated.
Cheruiyot emphasized the need for immediate intervention from elected leaders to address this issue.
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The Union, alongside the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), continues to press for the full implementation of the second phase of the CBA this month.
Both unions have warned that a strike could occur at the beginning of the second term if the government does not meet their demands.
KNUT Slams Government Budget Decisions as Teachers Miss Promotion Benefits
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