The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno has asked Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha not to interfere with teachers' collective bargaining agreement with their employer Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, when he graced the union's Annual General Meeting, Otieno said it was unfair for the CS to deny teachers a 60% pay rise.
"Magoha said it is not possible for TSC to give us a 60% salary increase. We want to tell him that is not his responsibility, he should focus on education policies and matters Competency Based Curriculum (CBC)," Otieno said.
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Otieno said the union will not relent in the fight for teachers' welfare.
"Teachers of this country demanding 60% salary increment, Magoha can't deny us what is rightfully ours," he said.
He added that the CS was wasting taxpayers' money by moving around the country and opening CBC classrooms.
"Magoha has been traversing the country opening CBC classrooms that can be opened by anybody including some of us. His trips across the country cost the taxpayer a lot of money" he reiterated.
The Deputy Secretary General also asked teachers to respect children's rights and to avoid corporal punishment so that they don't risk losing their jobs.
"I know all teachers of this country wish well for their learners, but as we do that let us follow the law, let us teach and go home" he appealed.
He also poked holes in TSC's delocalization policy saying it affects academic performance in the country and called for the revocation of the policy.
"We are telling TSC, if you want to achieve nationalization through delocalization, then float administrative posts and let people apply," he said.
Addressing the same meeting, Sammy Bor, the KNUT Secretary for the Eldoret East branch in Uasin Gishu County asked the government to construct more CBC classrooms in Kenyan schools.
"Magoha has been opening CBC classrooms built by the ministry of education. The fact is that the classrooms are not sufficient to accommodate learners; we, therefore, ask the government to build more classrooms" Bor appealed.
The Rift Valley Vice Chairperson, John Koech called on the ministry of interior to beef up security in Kerio Valley region so that learning can go peacefully.
