Teachers, don't look down on other workers

One of the grounds upon which teachers have based their demand for higher salaries is that teachers are spotless, exceptional professionals who need special treatment from the society.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has argued that no teacher has been cited in numerous multi-billion scandals ravaging this country.

While the role of a teacher in the society cannot be over-emphasised, teachers should desist from creating an impression that some professions are superior or inferior to others.

During our days in primary and secondary schools, there was emphasis on sciences as holding the key to a successful future. In fact, out of ignorance, some of us believed that a mathematics teacher earned more than the one who taught history.

Every time doctors go on strike, we are reminded how indispensable medics are to our society hence a ground to push for good remuneration.

Soon banking staff will argue they run the most important sector in this country and it will not be easy to dismiss them.

What can we say of watchmen and nannies? Many of us sleep soundly knowing very well that security guards are out there watching over us while working mothers go to work with a peace of mind assured that their young ones are well taken care of.

What I am trying to say is let teachers agitate for higher pay without lecturing us how special their profession is. Different professions should supplement, not compete, each other.