The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) demanding an explanation for why the government has effected Housing Levy and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions without consulting them.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, KNUT Communications Director Peter Amunga confirmed that the unions have given the commission a 14-day ultimatum to respond to the notices, failure to which they will take stern action including staging a strike.
Amunga further confirmed that these grievances were raised during a conference held at Tom Mboya Level College in Kisumu on Friday, August 4.
The conference brought together teachers from all over the country, who complained about the effects the deductions have had on their livelihoods.
The teachers regretted that they have no other option but to comply since the government is set to backdate the taxes following the Court of Appeal's decision to lift the orders suspending the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023.
"Teachers are calling for an industrial strike. The unions had an agreement with the TSC that they will not stage a strike in the middle of school learning. This was effected after the pandemic so that learners can catch up with the academic calendar," he stated.
"The agreement, however, doesn't hinder the unions from striking. A strike option is provided for in Kenyan labour laws and the unions can call for a strike."
One of the issues the teachers are protesting is contributing to two schemes; NSSF and a Provident Fund established by TSC.
The NSSF (National Social Security Fund) rates require a monthly contribution of 12 per cent of an individual's monthly salary. Out of this total, 6 per cent is deducted from the employee's salary, while the remaining 6 per cent is covered by the employer.
On the other hand, teachers contribute 7.5 per cent of their salaries to the Provident Fund.
According to Amunga, this has left the tutors extremely demoralised to carry on with the academic calendar. He noted that the teachers support the Law Society of Kenya (LSK's) move to seek legal redress over the new taxes.
The communications expert also questioned the radical reforms proposed by the Presidential Working Party on Education on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Among the proposed changes, some key adjustments in the education system include reducing the number of subjects taught in Junior secondary schools from 14 to 9, with further caps for pre-primary (5 subjects), lower primary (7 subjects), and upper primary (8 subjects).
Others include; abolishing school categorisations, and introducing mandatory three-month community service for all students graduating from senior school.
The report has also recommended university graduates to engage in a nine-month community service program.
Amunga questioned the practicability of the reforms and whether the government is adequately prepared to ensure a seamless transition.
"On paper they are very good but the practicability of most of them is easier said than done. For instance, turning schools to junior and senior schools, you have not talked about the human resources which in this instance are the teachers. The government is not talking about the training needed. What has been done recently is more of a seminar and not training," he stated.
He noted that most teachers have no idea about the curriculum and are forced to read the changes in the press.
"They are not clear about tests and measurements, we need clear cut information on what kind of tasks or exams will be administered, who will set and conduct these exams," he added.
