KUPPET Wants 42% Teachers Pay Rise to Counter Inflation
In a recent statement, Ronald Tonui, the Vice Chairman of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), emphasized the pressing need for the government to address the longstanding issue of inadequate salaries for teachers.
Tonui asserted that teachers should receive a minimum salary increase of 42 percent, highlighting the significant challenges they have faced in recent years.
With the rising cost of living and persistent deductions, it is imperative that teachers are duly recognized and compensated for their crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.
Tonui shed light on the harsh reality faced by educators, stating that the last salary increase they received was back in 2016.
In the ensuing years, inflation rates have averaged around 8 percent annually, accumulating to a staggering total of 42 percent over the past seven years.
 "In the past seven years teachers have faced inflation averaging at around 8 per cent every year, totaling to an inflation rate of 42 per cent,“ Tonui said.
This glaring disparity between teachers’ salaries and the increasing cost of living has left many educators struggling to make ends meet.
It is evident that a salary increase is long overdue and a crucial step towards recognizing the invaluable contributions of teachers.
Tonui further highlighted the additional financial burdens imposed on teachers, including the changes in the pension scheme.
In 2021, the implementation of the Public Service Superannuation scheme resulted in a reduction of the usual pension rate from 31 to 15 percent.
This change has further compounded the challenges faced by educators, making it even more difficult for them to secure their financial well-being after years of dedicated service.
To alleviate these burdens and ensure a dignified retirement for teachers, it is imperative that their salaries be increased substantially.
"We need to ensure that the teachers are given a salary increase of at least 42 per cent. If they’re given that minimum, then we can engage in any other deductions,” Tonui said.
KUPPET Wants 42% Teachers Pay Rise to Counter Inflation
