The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kericho Branch Executive Secretary Ann Cheruiyot has decried over the failure by the government to allocate more funds for teachers’ promotion in the Appropriation Bill 2024.
Cheruiyot while addressing the press yesterday, revealed that teachers have been patient enough and expected salary increase as per their 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
According to Cheruiyot, the decision has left teachers demoralized, since President William Ruto had personally promised to handle the matter.
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“Teachers have been patient for long and expected that money meant for salary increase would be allocated in the Appropriation Bill 2024. Teachers are unhappy and we will not go back to school come September if something is not done,” she stated.
She urged the Union’s head office to give direction on the next course of action, stating that teachers in the county will not go back to work when schools re-open for second term.
The official further called for the reinstatement of hardship allowance to teachers in certain areas of the county, saying abolishment of the funds is a violation of teachers’ rights.
“Teachers in Ainamoi, Kipkelion and Soin/ Sigowett used to get hardship allowance. However, we don’t know why the allowances were abolished. This is unacceptable and we want the money back. I ask all elected leaders in our county to intervene urgently,” added
The Union and their counterpart Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) continues to demand for the full implementation of the second phase of the CBA this month, and have warned to down tools when second term resumes if the government fails to honour their demands.
By Kimutai Langat
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