Teachers have welcomed President William Ruto’s decision to review their salaries starting July 1.
The Head of State has proposed a seven to 10 percent review on the lower paid government officers with the increment expected to occur in two phases.
Through their representatives, teachers said the move was long overdue considering the inflation rate in the country.Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Kuppet Akelo Misori thanked the President for taking in consideration their concerns.
‘‘We appreciate President Ruto for taking our concerns and putting on hold the benefits to other state officers but looking down on the down trodden members of the Public Service Commission including teachers,’’ Misori said.
Misori however urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to convene a meeting with the unions and give way forward on the rate of review.
We urge the TSC to urgently call for a seat with us so as to draw a clear line on the percentage we are going to accrue to teachers. Our hope is that teachers will be given the 10 percent,’’ he stated.
Misori said although Kenya’s education system still commands lead in the region, it continues to experience many hurdles in access, quality, equity and transition.He accused the commission of insincerity saying the recommendations by the SRC to raise the civil servant pay two years ago was ignored.
‘‘This is a sigh of relief after the commission gave us a deaf ear on the remuneration of our teachers. The President has heard our plight and acted on it at a time when ordinary Kenyans are suffering from skyrocketing inflation and low salaries,’’ Misori said.
Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Collins Oyuu also hailed the Head of State’s stamen saying it is long overdue and a total relief to teachers.
‘‘Talk of civil servants, talk of increasing their packs then don’t look at them as being without the teachers in mind. We are not basically left out and however little they will give us, we will receive with the right hand and open the left hand for more,’’ Oyuu said.
Oyuu noted the union had earlier handed the union’s demand to President Ruto and had shown an indication of a hearing ear.
