Kenya National Teachers Pressure Group (KNTPG) Demand Immediate Pay Rise
Teachers across Kenya are pressing for the immediate implementation of a pay rise as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions.
This demand arises from the need to offset the impact of recent additional levies, which have strained teachers’ financial stability.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, the Kenya National Teachers Pressure Group (KNTPG), led by Chairman Kinyua Mwangi, expressed their firm stance.
They insisted that the government must enforce the agreed CBA for the 2023/2024 fiscal year without delay, warning of severe repercussions if the pay rise is not honored as scheduled.
The CBA was supposed to roll out in two phases, with the first phase already implemented on July 1, 2023, and the second phase slated for July 1, 2024.
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Mwangi highlighted that while the new levies are already in effect, withholding the agreed-upon pay increase is both unjust and done in bad faith.
He argued that teachers are entitled to their rightful compensation, whether it be through the recommendations of a parliamentary committee, industrial action, or the goodwill and action of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Potential Consequences of Pay Delay
Teachers warned that the failure to deliver the promised pay increment could further demotivate an already disheartened workforce, potentially leading to industrial action.
Additionally, the group emphasized the need for the immediate confirmation of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and urged the government to follow through on its promise to recruit 20,000 new teachers, insisting that this recruitment should be based on merit.
Concerns Over BBF Deductions
The group also addressed concerns over the Social Welfare/Branch Benevolent Fund (BBF) deductions, which they claimed were illegal.
They demanded that the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) cease these deductions and refund the money to teachers.
Despite teachers’ attempts to stop these deductions, they have persisted, raising questions about where the funds are going.
KNTPG alleged that some teachers were only supposed to contribute Ksh100, yet a blanket Ksh200 deduction was being enforced.
Kinyua Mwangi further alleged that many teachers had neither subscribed to nor approved the BBF deductions on their payslips. He insisted that no teacher should be compelled to join a union or contribute money without their explicit consent.
“The levies are already active and in place, why should the pay rise be stopped? This action to delay or deny the promised pay rise is both uncalled for and in bad faith.” he said.
“Teachers need their money paid, whether through parliamentary committee recommendations, industrial action or simply through SRC goodwill and action,” he added.
Teachers’ Loss of Confidence in Unions
The KNTPG chairman pointed out the growing ineffectiveness of current teachers’ unions, stating that teachers have lost confidence in these organizations and no longer recognize their authority.
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As a result, teachers have resolved to take matters into their own hands by seeking recourse through parliamentary, senate, labor, and education committees, as well as through the labor courts and other legal avenues.
This situation underscores the critical need for the government and relevant stakeholders to address teachers’ demands promptly to avoid further unrest within the education sector.
Kenya National Teachers Pressure Group (KNTPG) Demand Immediate Pay Rise
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