Teachers Demand 42% pay Increase, CBA Review to Offset Housing Levy
Teachers in Kenya are demanding a pay increase to counterbalance the impact of a proposed housing levy that may result in salary deductions.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) are urging the reopening of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to accommodate the necessary adjustments.
Current Situation
The KNUT Secretary General, Collins Oyuu, and the Kuppet Deputy National Treasurer, Ronald Tonui, assert that teachers require a pay review to protect them from the implications of the proposed 3% housing levy.
Oyuu expresses concerns about the current state of teachers’ salaries, which are already inadequate to support additional deductions.
He emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue to alleviate the potential financial burden on teachers.
Tonui highlights the impact of inflation on the purchasing power of teachers, asserting that the introduction of a new levy will exacerbate their financial struggles.
To address these challenges, Kuppet proposes a 42% pay increase and calls for the reopening of the 2021-2025 CBA signed with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to facilitate new negotiations.
The union leaders voiced their concerns at the Knut Bomet branch Annual General Meeting (AGM), where they were supported by various Knut National Executive Council Members.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, former Governor Isaac Ruto, Kuppet Bomet Branch Executive Secretary Paul Kimetto, and Bomet County Executive Committee member in charge of education Agnes Ruto.
Teacher’s Perspective
Tonui expresses support for the government’s initiative but fears its adverse impact on teachers’ livelihoods and subsequent effects on academic performance.
He criticizes the government for hastily proposing the levy and calls for comprehensive consultations and public participation to prevent any stalemate.
Tonui recommends opening talks to ensure a smooth implementation of the proposal.
He argues that the levy should be harmonized to ensure equitable contributions and benefits for all workers.
Oyuu, as the chief guest at the meeting, affirms that they have submitted proposals demanding a pay increase in response to the new levy.
He asserts that without the salary adjustment, business cannot continue as usual.
Oyuu urges the government, through the Teachers Service Commission, to develop plans for increasing teachers’ salaries.
While not advocating for confrontation, he emphasizes the teachers’ rejection of the new levy and calls for an open dialogue with the government.
Senator Sigei encourages the teachers’ union officials to engage in talks with the Kenya Kwanza committee regarding the levy.
He believes there is still room for discussion, as the committee is currently collecting public opinions.
Sigei assures the teachers that the government is open to negotiations and advises them to present their proposals during the ongoing talks on the finance bill.
Broader Implications
Teachers join a growing list of professions expressing concerns about the rising cost of living and the introduction of burdensome taxes and levies.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) also oppose the housing levy and have threatened to go on strike if it is passed in Parliament.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atella criticizes the levy as an additional financial burden on medical workers, who have long been advocating for better pay.
Former Governor Isaac Ruto raises concerns about poverty levels in rural areas and urges the government to develop strategies to address the issue.
He emphasizes the importance of reducing dependence on government support by promoting self-sufficiency through increased productivity.
Ruto also highlights the urgent need for job creation to alleviate unemployment among the youth, particularly in rural areas.
Teachers Demand 42% pay Increase, CBA Review to Offset Housing Levy
