- They explained that the monthly stipend received by intern teachers is inadequate to cover their basic needs, let alone support their families.
Junior Secondary School teachers in Nandi County have taken to the streets to protest poor pay from the government.
Faced with the current economic hardships, they argue that their monthly income is insufficient to sustain their livelihoods. In their plea to the government, they demand permanent and pensionable contracts to alleviate their financial burdens.
Speaking to the press, the teachers expressed their frustrations and highlighted their challenges due to their low salaries. They emphasized the need for the government to address their demands, considering the rising cost of living and their essential role in educating the youth.
One teacher spoke passionately about their hardships and their impact on their daily lives. He highlighted the disparity between the promises made during the election campaigns and the current reality they face.
He emphasized the need for the government to implement the "bottom-up" approach, where teachers can progress from intern positions to higher-paying roles, ensuring a fair and sustainable economic environment for them.
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"We want to start from the bottom and go up. We want to start as interns and progress. It's because the economy has hit us hard," he said .
The teachers highlighted the financial struggles they face, such as using their motorcycles (bodabodas) to commute to work despite the limited funds for fuel.
“I have to use my motorcycle (bodaboda) to go to school, but there is no fuel, and the money is very little," said another teacher.
Furthermore, the teachers emphasized their additional financial responsibilities, such as rent payments for housing near their workplace. They stressed that the current remuneration does not adequately address these essential expenses, leaving them in financial strain.
They explained that the monthly stipend received by intern teachers is inadequate to cover their basic needs, let alone support their families.
"We need more than the money we get to cater to our needs. Some have families and bills to pay," another teacher added.
The teachers reminded the government of their unwavering support during the presidential election and urged for their confirmation as Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
They appealed to the government to recognize their efforts and dedication to their profession by improving their pay and ensuring financial stability.
In a notice issued to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), teachers from over 23,000 public schools stated they would stage a demonstration if their demands were not addressed.
