TSC to Disburse Teachers’ July and August Pay Raises by Friday – CS Ogamba
Public school teachers across the country will receive their July and August salary increments by Friday, August 30, 2024, as announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba.
The payment is part of the ongoing implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with Ksh. 13.5 billion recently released by the National Treasury to facilitate this.
CS Ogamba stated that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been working tirelessly to ensure that all public school teachers receive their salary raises by the stipulated date.
He emphasized that this move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing teachers’ concerns and restoring industrial harmony within the education sector. To achieve this, the government is actively engaging with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
Ogamba expressed confidence that these discussions would result in the resumption of work for KUPPET members, given the full implementation of the second phase of the CBA and the TSC’s handling of other administrative issues.
Government Funding and School Reopening
In preparation for the reopening of schools on Monday, August 26, 2024, the Government released Ksh.21.8 billion to public institutions. CS Ogamba underscored the importance of these funds in ensuring a smooth resumption of school activities.
He instructed school heads to use the funds appropriately for the benefit of students, and he cautioned against imposing any unauthorized fees.
The allocation of funds is as follows:
- Free primary education: Ksh. 1.6 billion
- Free day Junior School education: Ksh.6.1 billion
- Free day secondary education: Ksh.14.1 billion
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The release of these funds comes amid concerns over a nationwide teachers’ strike, which was planned to coincide with the reopening of schools. Although the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has since called off their strike, KUPPET proceeded with theirs.
Government Initiatives to Address Teacher Shortages and Employment
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, President William Samoei Ruto announced that the Government will employ an additional 20,000 teachers by the end of the year to alleviate the shortage of staff in public schools.
Furthermore, CS Ogamba revealed that Ksh.18.7 billion has been allocated for the conversion of intern teachers to permanent and pensionable status in January 2025. He promised to either resolve or schedule the resolution of all significant issues that led to strike notices within short timelines.
Ogamba also urged primary school teachers who have not yet resumed work to do so promptly, ahead of the third term, to prepare students for national assessments and examinations, and to ensure the syllabus for other classes is completed for a smooth transition between educational levels.
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Addressing the funding for trainees in National Polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, CS Ogamba stated that the Government, in collaboration with the National Treasury, is working to disburse Ksh.3.3 billion in capitation, scholarship grants, and loans.
This timely disbursement is crucial for the seamless operation of TVET institutions and the convenience of trainees.
In a related development, the TSC filed a case on Monday, prompting the Employment and Labour Relations Court to temporarily halt the nationwide strike by KUPPET on Tuesday.
TSC to Disburse Teachers’ July and August Pay Raises by Friday – CS Ogamba
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