Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) Chief Executive Officer Benter Opande has raised strong opposition to the government’s plan to abolish hardship allowances for civil servants, pointing out that it is a blatant breach of the Employment Act.
Addressing participants at Sigoti Girls Secondary School in Nyakach during the inauguration of a KEWOTA-backed water initiative, Opande emphasised that hardship allowances form an essential part of the pay structure for public officers serving in rugged and remote areas. She cautioned that eliminating them would violate labour laws and demoralise those stationed in such regions.
“The hardship allowance is not a privilege, it is a right protected under employment laws and collective bargaining agreements,” she said
She added that civil servants in hardship zones contend with poor infrastructure, insecurity, and extreme weather conditions.
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The occasion also marked the launch of a transformative water project at Sigoti Girls Secondary School, which is expected to benefit over 2,800 learners by providing them with reliable access to safe and clean water. Opande underscored that the initiative reflects KEWOTA’s commitment to improving the welfare and empowerment of both women teachers and students nationwide.
“This water project is about more than convenience; it is about health, dignity, and creating a conducive learning environment for our girls,” she remarked.
She asked the government to reconsider the proposal to withdraw the allowances as it would result to teacher shortages in already marginalised areas.
Opande urged constructive dialogue among government agencies, unions, and other stakeholders to safeguard the welfare of public servants and maintain service delivery standards in hardship regions.
Local leaders and education sector representatives present at the event praised KEWOTA for delivering projects that address both the professional needs of teachers and the development priorities of communities.
By Joseph Mambili
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