KNUT Attacks Govt. as Teachers Lose Out Promotional Benefits
Ann Cheruiyot, the Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kericho Branch, has voiced strong criticism against the government’s failure to allocate funds for teacher promotions in the Appropriation Bill 2024. Speaking to the media, Cheruiyot expressed deep frustration over the lack of salary increases that were promised under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has left many educators feeling disheartened and undervalued.
Cheruiyot emphasized that teachers had been patient, relying on assurances from President William Ruto that the issue of salary increments would be addressed in the upcoming budget. The absence of the anticipated funds in the Appropriation Bill 2024, however, has caused widespread dissatisfaction among teachers who were expecting financial recognition for their hard work and dedication.
“Teachers have been patient for long and expected that money meant for salary increase would be allocated in the Appropriation Bill 2024,” Cheruiyot remarked. The disappointment is particularly acute given the personal assurances from the President, which had raised expectations among educators that their financial grievances would be resolved.
The current situation has led to increasing unrest among teachers, with Cheruiyot indicating that if the issue is not addressed, there could be significant disruptions when schools are scheduled to reopen in September. She made it clear that teachers might not return to work if their demands for salary increments and promotions are not met, signaling a potential strike that could severely impact the education sector.
Call for Action and Hardship Allowances
In addition to pushing for the promised salary increases, Cheruiyot has called on KNUT’s central office to provide clear guidance on the next steps, highlighting the urgency of the situation. She also advocated for the reinstatement of hardship allowances for teachers working in specific regions such as Ainamoi, Kipkelion, and Soin/Sigowett. The removal of these allowances, she argued, is a violation of teachers’ rights and further exacerbates the financial challenges faced by educators in these areas.
“Teachers are unhappy and we will not go back to school come September if something is not done,” Cheruiyot asserted, underlining the seriousness of the situation. She urged elected leaders to intervene immediately, warning that the continued neglect of teachers’ financial needs could lead to widespread disruptions in the education system.
Union Pressure and Potential Strike
KNUT, alongside the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), continues to apply pressure on the government to fully implement the second phase of the CBA this month. Both unions have warned that if the government fails to meet their demands, they will have no choice but to initiate industrial action at the start of the second term.
Cheruiyot’s statements reflect a broader sense of disillusionment among teachers, who feel that their contributions to the education sector are being overlooked. The potential strike, if realized, could disrupt not only the academic calendar but also the overall stability of the education system in Kenya.
