By Karanja Njoroge

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) branches are facing a cash crunch following a delay of their monthly allocations.

Knut executive secretaries from various branches said they had not received last month’s dues and their operations are likely to be paralysed.

Most of the branches said since the beginning of the year, they have been experiencing difficulties accessing the funds.

Nyandarua North Knut Executive Secretary John Ndung’u said he had not received last month’s salary.

"We have not been paid. The problem, which started early this year, seems to be getting worse and may paralyse our operations," he said.

Pay rent

Ndung’u said if the delay persists they would have no option but to march to the union headquarters to protest.

Kiambu West Knut Executive Secretary Michael Muna said they had not paid rent and workers’ dues because of lack of funds.

Mr Muna said only four branches in Central Province received their allocations.

"The delay is affecting the union at the grassroots as we cannot pay our workers," he added.

Muna, however, claimed some of the branches had received the money and accused the national office of bias in disbursement of the cash.

Ndung’u said the union national offices should explain the unprecedented delay, which was causing anxiety and concern among teachers.

Nandi North branch Secretary Boniface Lenaiyu said they received last month’s money on Monday.

"Since inception Knut has never experienced such a problem. We wonder what is happening," he added.

When contacted, Knut Secretary-General Lawrence Majali admitted that some of the branches had not received their money.

Mr Majali blamed the Teachers Service Commission and the Ministry of Education for the delay.

"The problem is with the TSC, which is blaming the Ministry of Education," he said.

He said they had written to the ministry, threatening to go on strike if the delay persists.

He said that the problem is a result of delay in working out third party deductions from net salaries.

Majali appealed to the union branches to be patient as the matter is sorted out.