The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has welcomed the new salary increment for civil servants saying it is a boost to their welfare.
Terming it a 'smart move' by the Kenya Kwanza administration, the union however vowed to continue pushing for more funding from the government.
Speaking to the Star, Union's assistant national treasurer Ronald Tonui said they have already presented a memorandum to the president on issues facing its members as they sought to have the government increase the budgetary allocation to cater for the needs.
"We thank the president for the 7-10 per cent salary increase given to public servants including teachers," Tonui said.
"We hope to engage in future with the president and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for a higher salary increase and adequate funding for promotion."
The proposals, he said, include a request for a 48 per cent salary increase to cover inflation and Sh3 billion for promotions.
They also want an adjustment of the house allowance, municipality allowance in all municipalities, and allowances for risk and science teachers among others.
"We didn't get all the requests but we are grateful that the president considered a salary increase and Sh1 billion for promotion," the former MP said.
President William Ruto rejected the planned pay hike for senior state officers asking the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to hold it.
"Salaries for state officers like myself, my deputy, ministers, principal secretaries, and those other top officials, let us wait for a while please, our salaries will remain unchanged,” Ruto said.
He instead announced that beginning in July all public servants will get a pay rise.
Union's secretary General Akelo Misori recently said they will be meeting this month to make a final demand for a teachers’ salary increment that was due in 2021 but has not been offered to date.
According to Misori, SRC has for the last two years blocked the review of teachers’ salaries under the Third Public Sector Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle alleging the government cannot afford a pay rise for its workers.
