KUPPET Demands 100% Salary Increment for Teachers, Standing Allowance in Next CBA.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called for a 100% salary increment for teachers in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Speaking during a recent address, KUPPET leaders led by Assistant Treasurer Ronald Tunoi emphasized the urgent need to improve the welfare of classroom teachers, highlighting concerns over stagnant promotions, inadequate allowances, and substandard medical coverage.
KUPPET urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to prioritize teachers’ needs by sourcing funds to promote the 130,000 educators identified as having stagnated in their current job groups.
According to the union, it was the employer, not KUPPET, that flagged these teachers for promotion, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
“The 130,000 teachers identified for promotion must be prioritized. Funds to facilitate their career progression should be availed immediately,” KUPPET demanded, said Ronald Tunoi.
Calls for New Allowances and Parallel Promotion Systems
In addition to salary increments, the union proposed the introduction of a “standing allowance” to compensate teachers for the physical strain associated with classroom duties.
KUPPET National Secretary Secondary Edward Obwocha also criticized the current promotion framework, which requires teachers to wait for senior positions to become vacant due to retirements or other factors.
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The union proposed a parallel promotion system, allowing teachers to advance in their careers without needing to vacate their teaching roles.
“Teaching is a demanding profession, and by the end of the day, teachers are exhausted. It’s only fair that allowances and better promotion systems recognize this effort,” Edward Obwocha stated.
Medical Cover Under Scrutiny
KUPPET voiced strong dissatisfaction with the state of the teachers’ medical scheme, describing it as restrictive and ineffective.
They highlighted that teachers often receive subpar healthcare services despite forfeiting their medical allowances and contributing an additional 2.75% toward the medical scheme.
“The current medical cover is failing our teachers. Members are subjected to poor services, and this issue could even trigger a strike without the union’s prompting,” KUPPET warned.
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The union emphasized the need for a comprehensive medical cover that matches the value of teachers’ contributions and ensures quality care.
KUPPET concluded by appealing to the government to address these pressing issues, arguing that improved teacher welfare would directly enhance the quality of education provided to Kenyan students.
KUPPET Demands 100% Salary Increment for Teachers in Next CBA.
