Gender commission asks Government to obey Supreme Court’s ruling on teachers 50-60 per cent pay hike

National Gender and Equality Commission's Chairperson Winfred Lichuma. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya: National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has asked the Government to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision on teachers’ 50-60 per cent pay rise to ensure learning is not disrupted.

NGEC Chair Winfred Lichuma said third term in the academic calendar is crucial for candidates who will be sitting for their final exams.

“It is the obligation of the State to ensure that children’s right to education is not hindered or compromised”, read part of the statement sent to newsrooms Monday.

Lichuma further said the commission was concerned by the escalating pay hike dispute between Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the two teachers unions, KNUT and KUPPPET.

“We are greatly concerned at what the protracted stalemate portends to the children of this country, considering that in the past, this special group has paid the ultimate collateral damage of previous industrial actions in the education sector”, Lichuma said.

She reiterated that the best interests of children, is to access education without hindrance whatsoever.

Tuesday marked day two of the schools reopening with most teachers staying away. Some parents also kept their children away from school while some teachers reported but stayed away from classrooms.

There were reports that TSC was preparing to return to the Supreme Court for a review of the orders granting the award. The teachers’ union lawyers have, however, vowed to press court  proceedings against TSC bosses for failing to effect the pay hike.

The unions had given TSC five days in which it was to raise Sh4.9 billion to effect the 50-60 per cent pay increase.