The Kenya National Union of Teachers, (KNUT) has renewed calls on the government to prioritize the employment of trained P1 teachers.
Tinderet/Nandi East Executive Secretary Boniface Tenai noted that despite recent efforts by the government to recruit more teachers, thousands of qualified P1 teachers remain jobless.
He expressed concern, saying that the prolonged unemployment has driven some teachers into depression, with a few reportedly contemplating suicide.
“These teachers are suffering. They trained, completed their coursework, and have been waiting for years. The government must prioritize their employment before it’s too late,” Tenai said.
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The unionist also pushed for the promotion of serving teachers, arguing that both age and merit should be the key criteria for elevation.
Tenai said stagnation in one job group for many years was demoralizing many teachers, stating that the Union was keen on the matter.
KNUT further welcomed President William Ruto’s recent announcement that retirement benefits for public servants would be exempted from taxation, saying the move is timely.
“Old age comes with greater needs, and exempting pensions from tax is a big relief for retired teachers and other civil servants,” Tenai added.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
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