Homa Bay teachers to down tools over salaries, employment terms

Early Childhood Education teachers in Homa Bay have threatened to down their tools after the government failed to change their employment terms and review their salaries.

The teachers issued a three-day strike notice and vowed to hold demonstrations tomorrow.

Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (Kunoppet) officials said they have informed the police and Department of Education of their planned demonstrations.

Chairman Michael Odera, Secretary Bernard Ouma and Edna Ochanda, a member, said 898 teachers are asking for better terms of service.

The officials said the county reviewed their contracts downwards following a recommendation by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

SRC recommended after the teachers had signed permanent and pensionable contracts with former Governor Cyprian Awiti.

Odera said the current administration revoked the terms and put them on contract.

“EYE teachers are paid very little and cannot take care of most of their needs. Let the county government comply and honor the first agreement,” he said.

Last year, after threatening to go on strike, the county promised to implement the teachers' demands.

In a letter dated October 16, last year, Homa Bay county secretary Bernard Muok said the county was working to improve teachers' welfare.

Muok said the cabinet had approved the confirmation of 898 EYE teachers.

He said their confirmation will be effective from January 1.

Odera said this has not yet been implemented.

“Teachers were surprised when their pay-slips reflected the same amount of money they were getting. We’re downing our tools because the employer has refused to honor the agreement,” he added.

Ouma said the union has served different government departments with letters showing their intention to hold protests.

He said some EYE teachers have their salaries deducted by banks after they took loans to fund projects.

“Failure to comply with the agreement will plunge teachers into confusion,” Ouma said.

The officials said their payments have a lot of disparities.

Ochanda said life has become unbrearable for many teachers.

“We know those who have died of depression. Let the county government intervene,” she said.