Parliament has issued a directive to three government agencies, giving them one month to present a comprehensive report detailing the criteria utilized for allocating hardship allowances to teachers. This comes amidst growing concerns and accusations of unfair distribution and preferential treatment in teacher promotions and deployments.
The National Assembly Committee on Implementation raised sharp queries regarding the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) methods, alleging that the commission has been “handpicking” teachers for positions in areas that attract higher hardship allowances and senior roles. This practice, Members of Parliament contend, often disadvantages local educators.
In response to these allegations, the TSC, the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) have been mandated to provide a clear explanation of how these allowances are determined. The parliamentary committee is also demanding a justification for the perceived unfair distribution of teachers across different regions.
During the committee session, TSC Acting Secretary Eveleen Mitei, Public Service PS Jane Imbunya, and SRC Acting Secretary Margaret Njoka addressed a public petition concerning teachers in Kilifi Municipality.
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Njoka of the SRC explained that the commission relies on a Ministry of Public Service report to establish the clusters for hardship allowance. She acknowledged that disparities are arising from having the three clusters, and noted that a review cycle, which includes house allowance, began this July as part of “progressive harmonization” discussions with the National Treasury to secure necessary funding.
PS Imbunya clarified that the issues raised by the petitioner fall under the mandates of the SRC and TSC. She also confirmed that allowance rates for Cluster 3 (other former municipalities) and Cluster 4 (other areas) were fully harmonized as of July 1 last year.
“Teachers stationed in Kilifi Municipality are being paid rates in cluster 3. The issue on payment of enhanced house allowance for teachers stationed in Kilifi Municipality stands resolved by SRC and TSC.” Clarified PS Jane Imbunya.
Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai vocalized these concerns.
“I find that head teachers posted in these rural schools with hardship allowances are often teachers that are handpicked. So, I’m having a big backlash from teachers from the local community.” He stated
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The MP further elaborated on the disparity within his constituency, observing that urban areas like Kitengela and Isinya are ‘oversupplied with teachers’, while the more interior parts of his constituency face a big shortage of teachers in every school.
Committee Chairman Raphael Wanjala echoed these sentiments, revealing he had received similar complaints from his constituency in Bundalang’i.
“Now the indigenous are forced to go and teach in schools where there’s no hardship allowance.” He remarked.
Acting TSC Secretary Eveleen Mitei addressed the recently finalized 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). She explained that while teachers’ unions had pushed for a significant increase in house allowances, ranging from 30 to 50 percent, the commission ultimately had to negotiate based on existing financial limitations. As a result, the current allowance rates were maintained, categorized into three distinct regions: Nairobi, major municipalities, and other areas.
By Cornelius Korir
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