Huge income disparities will fuel industrial unrest

In a ruling made by Employment and Labour Relations Judge Nduma Nderi last week, teachers were awarded a handsome pay raise, handing the unions a major victory in their fight with the government over salaries. It was a reprieve for teachers who have long been taken for a ride by successive governments even as pay for other public officers was increased.

Unsurprisingly, the court’s decision drew protests from the government, with Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi almost immediately announcing he would appeal. “We will not agree to be forced to pay what we do not have,” said Prof Kaimenyi before the parliamentary committee on Education.