- With growing frustration and a looming sense of despair, teachers are now demanding that the government honor its commitments to improving their welfare through structured salary increments and better working conditions.
- When teachers struggle financially, it directly impacts classroom performance and student outcomes. A demotivated teacher cannot effectively deliver lessons, and constant financial stress affects their mental health and productivity.
- This article is a rallying cry to all who believe in the power of education. It is a call for transparency, accountability, and above all, immediate action. Our teachers have long borne the burden of a system that undervalues them—now, it is our turn to stand up and ensure that their voices are heard and their needs met.
Kenyan teachers are once again raising their voices, demanding an urgent review of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government. Their outcry paints a grim picture of the financial struggles many educators face, especially in times of crisis such as bereavement.
For years, teachers have been grappling with stagnant salaries, delayed promotions, high statutory deductions, and an ever-rising cost of living. Many are unable to afford basic necessities, pay school fees for their children, or meet medical expenses. Despite consistent calls from teachers’ unions—the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)—progress has been slow.
With growing frustration and a looming sense of despair, teachers are now demanding that the government honor its commitments to improving their welfare through structured salary increments and better working conditions.
Teachers’ Welfare: The Harsh Reality
The current plight of Kenyan teachers is deeply concerning. While teaching remains one of the most respected professions globally, in Kenya, educators are increasingly struggling to make ends meet.
1. Low Salaries and High Deductions
Many teachers, especially those in lower job groups, earn modest salaries that barely cover their expenses. The situation is worsened by numerous deductions, including pension contributions, loan repayments, and union fees, which leave them with little disposable income.
“I have been a teacher for over 15 years, yet my take-home pay is less than KSh 15,000 after all deductions. I have to take loans to survive, but that only makes the situation worse,” says James Mwangi, a primary school teacher in Kiambu County.
2. Delayed Promotions and Career Stagnation
Many teachers have remained in the same job group for years despite meeting the qualifications for promotions. The slow career progression means they cannot access better pay or benefits.
For instance, a significant number of diploma and degree-holding teachers remain in Job Group C1, earning between KSh 27,195 and KSh 33,994 per month. Comparatively, those in higher job groups like C3 and C4 earn significantly more, yet many deserving teachers remain stuck at lower levels due to bureaucratic delays in promotions.
3. Struggles to Afford Basic Necessities
The rising cost of living has made it difficult for many teachers to sustain their families. Essentials such as food, rent, school fees, and healthcare have become unaffordable for many.
“I had to transfer my child from a private school to a public one because I couldn’t keep up with the fees,” says Mary Achieng’, a secondary school teacher in Kisumu.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Standoff
The 2021-2025 CBA between teachers and the TSC was expected to improve the welfare of educators through salary increments, better allowances, and improved working conditions. However, many teachers feel that the CBA has not been fully implemented, leading to mounting frustrations.
Teachers’ unions, KNUT and KUPPET, have continuously called for renegotiations to ensure that teachers receive what they were promised.
KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori recently stated: “Teachers have been patient for too long. We demand that the TSC and the government review the CBA to reflect the realities of the economy. Teachers deserve decent pay for their service to the nation.”
Despite these calls, the government has cited budgetary constraints as a reason for the slow implementation of salary increments. However, critics argue that the education sector is not receiving the priority it deserves in national budgeting.
Education Financing and Policy Implications
The challenges teachers face are not just about salaries—they reflect broader structural issues in Kenya’s education financing.
1. How Poor Teacher Welfare Affects Education Quality
When teachers struggle financially, it directly impacts classroom performance and student outcomes. A demotivated teacher cannot effectively deliver lessons, and constant financial stress affects their mental health and productivity.
Prof. Rosebella Maranga, an education policy expert, explains: “When teachers are financially unstable, they may look for alternative sources of income, leading to absenteeism, reduced lesson preparation time, and lower teaching quality.”
Prof. Maranga is also the Vice Chancellor of Multimedia University
2. Comparison with Other East African Countries
Kenyan teachers earn less than their counterparts in Uganda and Tanzania, despite handling larger class sizes and more administrative responsibilities.
For instance:
- Tanzanian teachers recently received a salary increase of up to 23%.
- Ugandan teachers in science subjects saw a 100% pay rise in 2022.
- In contrast, Kenyan teachers have only received small adjustments over the years, which do not match inflation rates.
This disparity has led to brain drain, where skilled teachers leave Kenya for better-paying opportunities abroad or in private institutions.
The Way Forward: Seeking Solutions
To address these challenges, policy reforms and better budget allocations are necessary. Some proposed solutions include:
1. Reviewing and Implementing the CBA
The TSC, KNUT, KUPPET, and the government must urgently review the CBA and ensure teachers receive the promised salary increments and allowances.
2. Timely Promotions
The TSC should clear promotion backlogs to ensure qualified teachers move to higher job groups without unnecessary delays.
3. Enhanced Education Budget Allocation
The government should increase funding for the education sector, ensuring that teachers’ salaries and benefits are prioritized.
4. Alternative Income Support for Teachers
Teachers should be provided with affordable loan facilities and financial literacy programs to help them manage their earnings better.
A Call to Action
Teachers are the backbone of Kenya’s education system, yet their struggles remain largely overlooked. The time to act is now. By addressing their financial challenges, Kenya can build a more resilient and motivated teaching workforce—one that ensures a brighter future for generations to come.
Conclusion
The ongoing calls for a CBA review highlight the deep-seated financial struggles Kenyan teachers face. With stagnant salaries, delayed promotions, and high living costs, many are barely surviving.
As unions, policymakers, and education stakeholders push for reforms, it is crucial to ensure that teachers receive fair compensation and support. A well-paid, motivated teacher is the key to a thriving education system and a prosperous nation.
Will the government finally listen? The answer will determine the future of Kenya’s education system.
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This article, published at Scholar Media Africa, is a rallying cry to all who believe in the power of education. It is a call for transparency, accountability, and above all, immediate action. Our teachers have long borne the burden of a system that undervalues them—now, it is our turn to stand up and ensure that their voices are heard and their needs met.
