Legislators allegedly enriched educators at the State House, according to Omboko Milemba's claims
In a historic and fruitful meeting at State House, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) chairman, Omboko Milemba, discussed a range of issues affecting teachers with the President.
Milemba described the meeting as significant, as it provided an opportunity for teachers to escalate issues that independent bodies had failed to address. One of the main concerns was the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that had stalled under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The President committed to restoring capitation allocations to Sh22,244 per secondary school student and Sh2,300 for primary learners. This promise was a victory for Milemba after years of underfunding. The shortfall in capitation allocations will be closed in two financial cycles.
Another contentious issue, the housing levy, was also discussed. Initially, teachers were resistant, but agreed after assurances of adjustments to their payslips. As a result, 20 percent of affordable housing units will now be allocated to teachers.
The Sh33.8 billion CBA, originally scheduled to be paid in four phases over four years, will now be compressed into two phases. This decision will benefit thousands of teachers who have missed out on recruitment.
Milemba also clarified that hardship allowances, which had faced reclassification, were safeguarded. Furthermore, P1 teachers who have been struggling since 2011 are going to be employed in the next session of employment, starting next year.
However, the meeting was not without criticism. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba questioned the propriety of teachers negotiating at State House instead of through unions and Parliament. Ouko Muthoni, CEO of the Tunza Mtoto Coalition, warned that unions risk being co-opted politically.
Milemba, however, dismissed the criticism, insisting that teachers have a right to visit State House and that the 10,000 who attended represented 2 percent of the entire workforce. He also mentioned that even manifestos are promissory notes, implying that presidential commitments carry weight.
While appropriation of funds remains the duty of Parliament, Milemba acknowledged that. No specific government officials involved in the meeting were mentioned.
In conclusion, the meeting at State House has brought about significant promises for teachers, particularly in terms of funding and housing. The next steps will be crucial in ensuring these commitments are fulfilled.
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