KNUT Furious On Deductions Done On Teachers’ Salaries

The Kenya National Union of Teachers, KNUT, Secretary-General Collins Oyuu is seeking clarification from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regarding the unexpected reduction of teachers’ salaries in July 2023, rather than the anticipated pay raise promised by the government.

According to Oyuu, SRC had broken President Ruto’s promise of assuring teachers of a 7 to 10 percent salary increase starting July 1^st, 2023. KNUT Secretary  General expressed surprise and concern that the commission had effected the new changes without providing any prior notice or explanation.

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“A strike is a last bullet. We must be told why the reverse happened. The president promised about a 7 to 10 percent increase in broad daylight. The SRC cannot overrule what the president promised,” he stated.

“We are addressing the issue. SRC cannot say they are still organizing and they are not done with the review. Haven’t they been working?”

Oyuu maintained his stance that the president’s announcement ought to be adhered to.

“We have not made a move but our reaction shall be very sharp and we must have the president’s statement respected. We are not happy.”

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Teachers in the country have now started making contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which has led to confusion over the changes reflected in their payslips.

According to  NSSF rates, teachers earning below Ksh10,000 will contribute an amount ranging from Ksh360 to Ksh1,200, while those earning above Ksh10,000 will have a maximum contribution limit of Ksh2,160.

Read More:

• TSC Announces Internship Vacancies For Teachers, Salaries, And How To Apply
• Teachers To Face The Following Deductions Starting This July
• TSC On When They Will Pay Newly Recruited Teachers

On June 30^th, 2023, the government approved a 7 to 10 percent salary increment for teachers and civil servants beginning, July 1. The president made this remark while at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) that there was a need to cushion civil servants from the harsh economic times.

“I know there is a proposal by SRC for the increase of salaries of different cadres of both civil servants and other public servants. So our teachers, policemen, military space, and those working in government, we have agreed that from tomorrow your salaries will be adjusted between 7 and 10 percent,” Ruto said during the launch of the new e-citizen platform.

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