By Azael Masese
Over 4,000 P1 A-Level teachers have urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to fast-track the payment of their salary arrears accumulated between 1996 and July 2010.
The Pressure Group led by their National Secretary David Thagwambi says they feel cheated and short changed in their efforts for a just system in their teaching profession.
“Despite our numerous efforts to have the commission pay the arrears, it has gone quiet and want to remind it to honor the agreement,” noted Thagwambi.
Consequently, the uncertainty surrounding the salary arrears has seen their motivation decline and fear that it might negatively impact on the learning outcomes.
In the early 1990s, a number of the A-Level students were recruited as untrained teachers.
With changes in the education sector however, they were required to undergo training and later be absorbed by the Government.
Training as a professional teacher took two perspectives. First, there are those who went to a primary teacher training college to train as P1 teachers, a course that took about two years to complete.
On the other hand, there are those who went for two-week training either at Kagumo or Bondo Teacher Training Colleges, under a World Bank initiative.
Besides taking a longer duration, in the first instance, they paid more fees compared to those who went for the two-week training.
However, upon completing their studies, those who went for the two year training were awarded a certificate compared to those who went for the two weeks, who were awarded a diploma.
Besides, the diploma holders were on a higher job group compared to those with certificates hence salary disparities exists.
“The commission did not consider all factors as those with P1, despite making more efforts to go for training were given a raw deal,” Thagwambi said.
However, the push for new grades bore fruits in 2010 when majority of the teachers received better job groups backdated to 1996.
However, they have not been able to get the improved salary packages that accompany promotions within that period hence the salary arrears.
The teachers, whose number has reduced greatly over the years due to natural attrition say though some of their colleagues have been fast-tracked to higher job groups, a majority are still languishing in inferior grades despite possessing prerequisite qualifications for upgrading.
“We call on the Commission to honour our demands promptly and should also press the Treasury to clear the arrears without further delay,” said Thagwambi who was accompanied by the Chairman Joshua Kiambati, Kepha Mshambala (National Treasurer) and National assistant Secretary Samuel Okong’o.
The association has been meeting regional leaders in their push for the payment. Regions they have met leaders include Machakos and the planned meeting in Kiambu County.
It’s during the tenure of President Uhuru Kenyatta, then deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister that Sh1.4 billion was released to grade and pay teachers in July 2010.
However, they have raised issues concerning the same saying it was not properly accounted for.
Mshambala said they are making plans to visit the President with former Secretary General who negotiated the salary increment willing to accompany them.
