By Roy Hezron
Rights for teachers who have retired or are about to leave service will be catered for by the newly registered Retire (REAR) Members Association National Committee.
The organisation which changed its name from Kenya Teachers Welfare Association (KETWA) to REAR will embark on a national sensitization programme for a new pension scheme as from January next year.
They are planning to start educating their members through sensitization seminars about the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS).
Speaking to Education News recently, the Association’s National Chairperson Mr. Kepha Mshambala who also represents deputy head teachers, senior teachers and those with higher qualifications said they will push for quick remittance of pension.
“Members should get their retirement benefits immediately they retire instead of taking five to 10 years chasing the benefits,” said Mshambala.
They are intending to visit all the 47 counties in Kenya beginning with Meru, Bomet, Machakos, Kirinyaga, Kisii and Coast counties.
“Some of the challenges facing the A level graduate teachers include over staying in one job group at C3 for over 10 years, as some A-level assistant teachers continued acting as administrators for over five years without being confirmed in their positions,” stated Mshambala.
They will also agitate for some assistant teachers who acquired higher qualifications such as diplomas, degrees and masters degrees to promotions.
Mshambala has worked as an administrator in an acting capacity for more than three years.
“Some members left Knut willingly, however, other members were forced to leave due to promises from TSC over CBA benefits and promotions which never materialized for the assistant teachers,” he said.
REAR National Executive Committee (NEC) officials include Joshua Kiambati who is the Vice Chairperson representing retired teachers who have not received their pension.
The National Secretary David Thaguambi represents both KUPPET members in the association and will handle the issue of A-Level Teachers arrears from 1995 – 2010 with hopes of concluding the issue by February 2021.
Ruth Kabui who is the National Vice Treasurer represents all head teachers , while Simeon Masilia, the National Treasurer and Elizabeth Mulinge the National Vice Secretary represent retired teachers who have received their pension.
Reuben Anyasi, a former TSC Deputy Director who is a Trustee of the association represents TSC Secretariat Members and Ministry of Education Members who are in the association.
