Teachers threaten to down tools in pay rise row

Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion

Teachers' unions have warned their members could paralyse learning next month if the Government does not increase their salaries.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) expressed outrage at the decision by the Teachers Service Commission to appeal against a ruling directing that teachers get a 50 to 60 per cent salary increment.

 "If you they fight you, you will fight back. We have been very law-abiding citizens but we will not go this route forever. The teachers expect the salary increment at the end of August reflected on their payslips, failure to which they will not be in school in September," vowed Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion.

They also want the teachers employer to ensure that all the allowances given as per the ruling of the Industrial court be honoured.

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary General Akelo Misori has assured teachers that they will get their hefty pay rise despite the Government's move.

Mr Misori disclosed that their legal team had received a notice of appeal from the Government at the Supreme Court over the salary dispute.

"The Supreme Court handles constitutional matters such as election disputes. The Teachers Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission and even the Attorney General are ill-advised. They will not have a day at the Supreme Court," he said.

He added: "We don't want a situation whereby the Jubilee government is seen to be insensitive to the needs of teachers," he said.

Knut Chairman Mudzo Nzili said there is an emerging trend from the Government of taking unions to court.