The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General, Collins Oyuu proposed a 60 percent salary increment in a bid to cushion tutors from the ravaging economic challenges experienced across the country.
Speaking at the Kenya School of Government- Lower Kabete on Wednesday, October 5, Oyuu acknowledged that teachers' performance is anchored on their welfare.
He added that his role as the KNUT boss mandates him to advocate for tutors to get a sizeable share of the national cake.
"Teachers can only work if they are motivated and well paid. I propose a 60 percent salary increment regardless of the economic status of the country," Oyuu stated during the World Teachers Day Celebrations.
In addition, he lauded President William Ruto for his prompt action in forming a task force to review the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to address concerns from stakeholders, including parents.
He urged the Prof Raphael Munavu-led team to ensure that the review process is inclusive and listens to all stakeholders before submitting the final report to the President for action.
"Our president took up and formed a working CBC task force to help the key stakeholders in addressing our pressing issues. This time around, we must not get it wrong," he stated.
His words were echoed by Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General, Akelo Misori who urged the new administration to address the pressing needs of all tutors.
"We are the people who can transform education. We are not noisemakers. To the TSC chair, Jamleck Muturi we want you to address the stagnation of teachers of this country and ensure you lobby for the 58,000 teachers the new government has committed to giving us."
"Expand the housing of teachers so that the new housing schemes will first accommodate teachers," Misori noted.
TSC boss Dr. Nancy Macharia assured unions that negotiations were still ongoing on the recruitment of teachers after President Ruto made the pledge in the run-up to the August 2022 polls.
"Be assured that the Kenyan teacher can only expect good things going forward. We shall be telling you how to go on with this recruitment as per the Kenya Kwanza Charter,” stated TSC CEO.
During the celebrations, a total of 264 teachers were honoured for beating the odds in a bid to push for effective and quality education.
Further, close to 51 teachers were recognised for winning national honours over the past two years, 21 of whom were awarded in 2022.
