Additional Salaries for Teachers in Hardship Areas
KUPPET Urges TSC to Raise Salaries for Teachers in High-Risk Areas
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called upon the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to increase salaries for teachers working in high-risk areas. Specifically, KUPPET has highlighted three counties in the northeast region, as well as Turkana and Tana River, which are currently grappling with security challenges.
According to Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima, the existing hardship allowance for teachers in these regions fails to accurately reflect the dangers they encounter.
Cabinet Secretary Kindiki’s Concerns
Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has expressed concerns about the safety of non-local teachers posted in volatile northern districts. In response to protests, Kindiki has recommended that these teachers spend a shorter period in these areas before being relocated.
He noted that the unrest in these regions has had adverse effects on the mental health of foreign teachers. Additionally, Kindiki has pointed out that some local communities have incited hostility toward outside educators, leading to threats in these areas. As a precaution, the Security Minister has advised temporarily gathering teachers in one location to protect them from Al-Shabaab attacks.
Additional Salaries for Teachers in Hardship Areas
Teacher Shortage Challenges in Mandera County
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has highlighted the acute shortage of teachers in Mandera County, where more than 2,000 teachers are needed to fill vacancies in 300 public primary schools and 550 public secondary schools. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Internal Security have faced criticism for allegedly ignoring the appeals of teachers in the northeast region. This criticism has been intensified following the tragic deaths of 28 teachers in Mandera County last year.
Teachers Facing Discrimination and Hostility
Teachers working in these regions have described facing various challenges, including unpleasant encounters with students, principals, parents, and district school administrators. Derogatory comments labeling them as ‘adhome’ (slaves), ‘nguraro’ (with “hard” hair), and ‘kafir’ (ungainly) have been reported, and this discriminatory treatment has raised concerns among educators.
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