The government has made it clear on the fate of over 360,000 teachers on Teachers Service Commission (TSC) payroll yearning for a payrise in July.
Teachers are looking forward for reviewing of the 2021 – 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which it signed with the Commission but without monetary benefits.
When TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia appeared before Parliament last month she said the Commission needs Sh56 billion over the next four years starting July 2023 to raise salaries for teachers from job group B5 to D5.
“The commission negotiated a non-monetary 2021-2025 CBA with the teacher unions pursuant to the advisory from the Salaries Review Commission. It was agreed that the CBA be reviewed mid-term if the economic situation would improve in the country,” Dr Macharia told members of the National Assembly Education and Research Committee chaired by Julius Melly.
Macharia said in order for teachers to be motivated in their work they need sh14 billion each year for salary increment.
“The Commission would wish to review the 2021-2025 CBA, more specifically the salary component with an aim to motivate teachers under the employment of the Commission.” She added.
“Accordingly, we request this Committee to support the Commission get Sh14 billion per year for four years to cater for the same.”
TSC had started negotiations with teachers unions Knut and Kuppet on reviewing the non-monetory CBA.
In the talks Knut had proposed a 60% salary increment while Kuppet wanted 42% salary increment for teachers to be paid in July.
However in the recent revelation by President William Ruto, things may not go as wanted. Ruto rejected teachers salary demands saying the government cannot afford in its current state.
The President had said this after meeting with Knut and Kuppet officials in State House.
Ruto said the economy is in disarray and that the government cannot manage a salary increment in its current form. However he promised to review salaries for teachers when the economy improves.
The President had held the meetings with teachers’ unions in a bid to win their support over the controversial 3 per cent housing levy.