Kenya head teachers call for release of August pay

By AUGUSTINE ODUOR

 KENYA: Primary school heads have asked the Teachers Service Commission to release their August pay immediately.

They said most of their staff members are yet to recover from the effects of the last teachers’ strike and warned against any further delays in payment.

“Our teachers are so demotivated. Most teachers could not cope after the government ordered that July salaries should be paid only for days they worked,” said one of the head teachers from Bungoma.

The head teacher said the last strike saw primary school teachers humiliated and treated unfairly.

“We should never see a situation like that again. Teachers must be respected just like other people in different professions,’ he said.

Accumulated debts

Speaking yesterday, the head teachers said that even though the salary balances were later released, teachers had accumulated many debts. “This is why we want the August salary released as soon as possible. We still have debts to clear and most teachers are yet to return to their normal lives,” he said.  

Several primary school teachers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they would be greatly affected by any further delay in releasing the August pay.

“We are looking for other ways to motivate our staff now. The government is not supporting us on this and we are worried about the quality of education in our schools,” said a head from Voi.

TSC Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni however said the money had been released and asked teachers to check with their banks.

“We have sent the money and they should check with their respective banks starting today,” he said.