Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday, December 14, appealed to teachers to observe patience in demanding salary increments.
The CS termed the demands made by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) unrealistic with the current economic situation in the country.
KNUT had issued an ultimatum to the government to implement a 60 per cent basic salary increase agreed on 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or else they would down their tools.
“I urge KNUT to be considerate with the current economy while asking for the implementation of CBA,” the CS announced in a statement that was read by Nyanza regional director of education Nelson Sifuna.
Sifuna read the statement at 62nd KNUT National Delegates Conference held in Kisumu.
While the government begrudged the lack of money, there was optimism that a compromise would be reached.
“I am sure we will reach an agreement and move on as a country,” the CS espoused optimism.
Earlier during the conference, KNUT secretary general Collins Oyuu had decried neglect from the government.
“The quality of life for teachers in this country is deteriorating due to neglect from the government, most Kenyans cannot manage the cost of living,” Oyuu lamented.
He further complained that the government was not fair and equitable when it came to the welfare of teachers.
“In the past CBA’s, the government has only increased salaries of headteachers and their deputies.”
“We now demand an equal pay rise for teachers across all cadres instead of caring only for education administrators,” the secretary-general demanded.
