Appreciate teachers and pay them well

Recent fights over pay between tutors and the Teachers Service Commission mark an important stage in recognising the role of teachers in the development of the nation.

The fights point to the growing social acceptance that teachers must be remunerated better, celebrated more, and generally respected. While respect across the country is there, what is lacking is a pay that reflects the contribution they make.

Unlike doctors, teachers are not able to engage in private practice. Most teachers give all their day hours to the job. That is why it is crucial for the Kenya National Union Teachers (Knut) to maintain the momentum in seeking to improve the welfare of the teachers.

The 280,000-plus teachers have largely resorted to work boycott in the past to push for their interests. Knut has shown that it is also possible to agree on progressive steps without much haggling. This will, however, mean TSC and the Government must be honest partners.

The conflict over a recent Industrial Court ruling awarding teachers a 50-60 pay rise is casting the Government in bad light, after it contested the ruling at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.