KNUT Rejects TSC’s Plan to Deduct Ksh2500 Training Costs from Teachers’ Salaries
During a conference in Bomet town, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet Branch dismissed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for proposing to deduct teachers’ wages for ICT training, stating that they would not fund the program.
All teachers, secretarial staff, and grade 8 students must enroll in fundamental digital skills training at a cost of Ksh2,500 per participant, according to a circular dated March 26, 2024, with the number No.05/2024 and signed by TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia.
The effort seeks to provide over 20 million residents with basic digital skills, allowing them to properly access government e-services. The curriculum comprises short courses in Foundation, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Digital Skills for both the public sector and citizens.
Phase One of the program aims to train approximately 5 million learners through a consortium of ICT training organisations, with self-sponsorship required at a cost of Ksh2,500 per individual for basic skills and certification offered upon completion and assessment.
The TSC CEO instructed regional directors, county directors, and sub-county directors to make sure all teachers in their respective districts received the circular.
In subsequent letters, the commission indicated that it would not cover the training fees, shifting the responsibility to teachers and prompting criticism from instructors, including Davis Mitei, the recently elected Bomet KNUT chairman.
Mitei, speaking at a funeral in Kimori, Konoin Sub-county, expressed his opposition to the plan, adding that while the training is beneficial, teachers cannot afford salary deductions to fund it. He highlighted that if the government truly supports teachers, it should cover their training costs.
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Mitei also proposed the selection of teachers as TSC commissioners, citing the body’s lack of commissioners with teaching backgrounds as unacceptable.
He contended that teachers, like all Kenyans, are suffering economic hardships and should not incur additional financial constraints. However, there appears to be no advocacy for the concerns of students and parents, who are also struggling financially due to the cost of training.
KNUT Rejects TSC’s Plan to Deduct Ksh2500 Training Costs from Teachers‘ Salaries
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