Teachers are in for an unexpected challenge following the Teachers Service Commission’s announcement that it cannot implement the long-awaited pay increase due to a Sh10 billion budget reduction.
Additionally, starting in December, teachers will lack medical coverage as the effects of the budget adjustments take hold. The 46,000 intern teachers will also face delays in joining the government payroll as the commission adjusts its response to these financial constraints.
Nancy Macharia, the TSC chief executive, informed Members of Parliament that fulfilling the collective bargaining agreement has become untenable. The second phase of the 2021-2025 amended CBA, which was scheduled for implementation by the end of this month, will be postponed. This phase was part of an agreement between the commission and teachers’ unions aimed at enhancing pay and benefits to help teachers cope with rising living costs.
Macharia explained to the National Assembly Education Committee that the budget cuts directly affect teacher compensation and will delay the recruitment of 20,000 new teachers, now anticipated for October. Intern teachers may have to wait until January of next year to be onboarded.
The decision has raised concerns among educators, potentially leading to unrest in schools as national exams approach. MPs have criticized the Treasury for its role in creating friction between the government and the public by targeting essential sectors.
Melly, the committee chair, urged the Treasury to reverse the cuts affecting the CBA and teacher hiring. If the situation continues, it may contribute to increased public dissatisfaction, especially among families of the teachers.
Under the proposed budget cuts, teachers will also forfeit their medical coverage, with the TSC’s current budget inadequate to fulfill the financial commitments necessary for the continuation of this program. Macharia stated that without sufficient funding, there will be no group life or accident insurance for teachers.
