Unpaid Salary Arrears Since 1996: Plight of Thousands of P1 teachers
Thousands of P1 teachers with Advanced-level academic qualifications, who served from 1996 to 2010, are currently seeking justice and demanding the payment of millions of shillings in salary arrears from the Kenyan government.
These teachers, who were promoted in 1996, have yet to receive their advanced salary, and they have recently filed a petition in the Senate to address this issue.
In this article, we will explore the background of the situation, the demands of the teachers, and the reactions of the senators.
The Plight of the P1 Teachers
In 1996, the Directorate of Personnel Management of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) introduced a scheme of service for non-graduate teachers, outlining the requirements for promotion.
The teachers affected by the current situation were promoted based on these schemes, but they have not received the appropriate salary adjustments.
This discrepancy has led to their demand for fair treatment and the payment of their long-overdue arrears.
The P1 teachers have submitted a petition to the Senate, urging them to summon the Teachers Service Commission and the National Treasury to address the non-payment of their salary arrears.
They are seeking explanations as to why these arrears have not been settled, despite the principles of standard labor practices.
Speaker Amason Kingi read out the petition in the Senate, highlighting the teachers’ plea for intervention and the recommendation to allocate a budget for the payment of the outstanding arrears.
Senators Express Outrage
Senators have reacted strongly to the mistreatment and negligence faced by the teachers.
They argue that teachers are not only underpaid but also subjected to unjust treatment by the government.
Senator Ledama Olekina expressed his dissatisfaction, emphasizing the low basic salary of teachers compared to other civil servants.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi echoed these sentiments, calling on the Teachers Service Commission to take responsibility and promptly resolve the issues affecting the P1 teachers.
“TSC should take charge and resolve these issues. We have had many issues touching on teachers… However, TSC has heard nothing, seen nothing and not acted,” Osotsi said.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo emphasized the constitutional requirement of fair and equal treatment for all Kenyans.
He urged a review of the scheme of service for all affected teachers through public participation and consultation with relevant bodies to improve teachers’ welfare.
Senator Esther Okenyuri expressed her regret that these teachers have not received their deserved payment for many years after their promotion, highlighting the urgent need for the government to rectify this injustice.
Unpaid Salary Arrears Since 1996: Plight of Thousands of P1 teachers
