The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has intensified its campaign for improved salaries, enhanced working conditions, and stronger welfare support for teachers, warning that educators across the country are increasingly struggling under mounting economic and professional pressures.
Speaking on the growing concerns affecting the teaching fraternity, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu said teachers continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities in shaping the nation’s future yet remain inadequately supported in terms of remuneration and workplace welfare.
He noted that teachers are the backbone of Kenya’s education system and deserve compensation that reflects both their contribution and the prevailing economic realities.
Oyuu urged the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to review teachers’ remuneration packages, arguing that the rising cost of living has significantly diminished educators’ purchasing power.
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According to him, many teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their financial obligations despite their critical role in nurturing future generations.
Beyond salary concerns, the KNUT boss underscored the urgent need to prioritize teachers’ mental and emotional well-being.
He called for the establishment of professional counselling and psychosocial support services for teachers across the country, observing that many educators silently endure stress arising from financial strain, heavy workloads, performance expectations, and personal challenges.
“The welfare of teachers must remain a national priority because their effectiveness in the classroom is closely linked to their physical, emotional, and financial well-being,” Oyuu said, emphasizing that investments in teacher support systems would ultimately benefit learners and the broader education sector.
The unionist argues that the increasing demands placed on teachers have contributed to heightened levels of anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. Without adequate intervention, KNUT warns that these pressures could negatively affect classroom performance, job satisfaction, and the overall quality of education offered to learners.
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Education stakeholders have similarly raised concerns about the state of teachers’ welfare, noting that a motivated and mentally healthy workforce is essential for improving learning outcomes.
They maintain that supporting teachers should not be viewed merely as an employment issue but as a strategic investment in the country’s human capital development.
Oyuu further called for meaningful dialogue between teachers, policymakers, and education authorities to address long-standing concerns before frustrations escalate further. He insisted that better pay, improved working conditions, and comprehensive mental health support are necessary to restore morale within the profession and strengthen the education system.
By Hillary Muhalya
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