The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to accelerate the payment of hardship allowances for teachers in Nyatike, a region where the funds have been pending for years. KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu stated that Nyatike meets the criteria for hardship allowances, but teachers have yet to see the funds reflected in their salaries. The union is urging teachers to engage with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to push for the implementation of the allowance.
Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege has expressed frustration over the delay in implementing the hardship allowance, despite submitting a petition to Parliament on October 28, which was approved. Odege had earlier written to the relevant authorities, seeking to expedite the allowance process. He questioned why the SRC had not yet acted on the approved report, emphasizing that Nyatike teachers deserve parity with their colleagues in other regions.
According to the TSC Secretary-General, teachers in Nyatike face significant hardships, particularly with the upcoming national examinations. He revealed that teachers often start work at 4 a.m. to reach examination centers due to the area's total hardship conditions. The TSC chief emphasized that he had pushed the report through all relevant committees to Parliament, where it was approved, but the SRC has yet to act on it.
KNUT Migori County Treasurer Felix Oloo stressed that the implementation of the hardship allowance will not occur without active union involvement in the process. Oloo emphasized the need for teachers to be engaged in the process to ensure that their concerns are addressed. The union is working to ensure that teachers in Nyatike receive the allowances they deserve.
The delay in implementing the hardship allowance has been attributed to bureaucratic red tape, with the SRC yet to act on the approved report. KNUT is urging the SRC to expedite the process, citing the pending petitions and the need for urgent action. The union is working to ensure that teachers in Nyatike are not left behind in terms of remuneration.
The TSC has acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers in Nyatike, particularly in terms of accessing examination centers. The commission has expressed its commitment to addressing the issue, but the process has been slow. KNUT is pushing for urgent action to ensure that teachers in the region receive the support they need.
The implementation of the hardship allowance for Nyatike teachers is expected to bring relief to educators in the region. The allowance is aimed at cushioning teachers against the harsh conditions they face in the region. With the SRC yet to act on the approved report, KNUT is urging for urgent action to ensure that teachers in Nyatike receive the allowances they deserve.
Key points
- KNUT urges TSC to expedite hardship allowances for Nyatike teachers
- Nyatike teachers face significant hardships, particularly with upcoming national examinations
- Delay in implementing allowance attributed to bureaucratic red tape, with SRC yet to act on approved report
