The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has once again found itself in hot water, this time for its Easter holiday wishes on social media, which have been met with widespread criticism from teachers and contracted professionals. The council’s message has been perceived as tone-deaf and insensitive, coming as it does amidst a prolonged period of unpaid allowances for teachers and other professionals involved in the administration of national exams.
Teachers took to social media platforms to express their outrage and frustration, with many seeing the wishes as a mockery given the council’s failure to settle outstanding payments. “As usual, KNEC’s social platform is hot as teachers critique the council for its inhumane treatment,” said one teacher, echoing the sentiments of many.
The controversy is the latest in a string of incidents where KNEC’s social media messages have been met with backlash. During the recent Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the council’s posts were similarly criticized for being insensitive to the plumas of teachers and contracted professionals still awaiting payment for their services.
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Examiners, invigilators, supervisors, centre managers, and security personnel have all been left waiting for their allowances, with some having gone unpaid for as long as five months. Despite promises from KNEC, the payments have yet to materialize, leaving many in dire financial straits.
“They just don’t get it,” said one frustrated teacher. “If only KNEC knew how the contracted professionals suffered, especially during rainy seasons while manning exams, they wouldn’t have taken teachers for a ride. We’re not just machines, we’re humans with families to feed.”
The situation has sparked outrage and concern among educators, with many calling for KNEC to prioritize the payment of outstanding allowances. “It’s unacceptable that KNEC can find the time to post Easter wishes but can’t be bothered to pay us for our work,” said another teacher.
As the criticism continues to mount, KNEC has yet to respond to the backlash. However, the council’s silence is unlikely to placate the growing number of disgruntled teachers and professionals, who are demanding action and not just words.
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The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by educators in Kenya, who are often left to struggle with delayed payments and inadequate support. As one teacher put it, “KNEC needs to remember that we’re not just teachers, we’re the backbone of this country’s education system. Treat us with respect and dignity, and pay us what we are owed.”
By Kimtai Cherongis
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