On 21st July 2022, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha stated that the government is not in a position to address teachers’ pay rise demands.
The CS was speaking while commissioning the second phase of classroom construction in Mombasa. He noted that ministry is for now focusing on the completion of the classrooms before transitioning to junior secondary school
According to CS Magoha, the government is already spending 25.9 percent, and asking for a 60 percent pay rise is unreasonable. The CS said Kenya’s economy had deteriorated and demands made by the teachers cannot be met.
He noted that having value for money will solve those issues since the government has already spent enough of the budget on the ministry
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, KUPPET has pointed a finger at Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha whose tenure will come to an end this August, over his recent remarks that teachers will not get a penny in the name of salary increment since the government has already invested too much in the education sector.
CS Magoha’s remarks have not only incensed teachers but also KUPPET officials who are now up in arms having discovered where the buck stops.
The fact is that much as CS Magoha is not directly involved in determining whether teachers should be given a pay rise, his remarks do matter since they can be used to shape opinions and make final decisions.
The 2021-25 CBA had non-monetary benefits including extended paid maternity leave for female teachers and introduced paternity leave for male teachers. However, Oyuu said it’s high time the Salaries and Remuneration Commission considers increasing teachers’ salaries
On teacher promotion, the union said there is a need to review the policies on the same. Currently, teachers are promoted based on appraisals and not the qualifications achieved.
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