Angry teachers confront Prime CS Mudavadi over Ksh.29 salary increment

There is outrage among teachers over what they describe as an insulting and meagre salary increment in the newly signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between teachers’ unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was on Thursday confronted head-on by a teacher during a function in Malava, Kakamega County, who demanded straight answers from the government.

The teacher not only challenged the CS over salary and medical cover but also questioned the place and value of teachers in a society that constantly weighs them down with expectations but gives so little in return.

In a moment that silenced a high-profile gathering, Wilbroda Shinanda, the women representative for the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Kakamega branch, courageously stood up, not just for herself, but for thousands of frustrated teachers across the country.

Locking eyes with Mudavadi, she boldly asked the questions many are too afraid to voice.

“Medical cover was taken away in the name of AON Minet, and the SHA that I am deducted every month, why can’t the government consolidate all that and come up with a scheme for teachers so that we can enjoy what you are enjoying? Are you politicians having a more important life than a classroom teacher?” asked Shinanda.

It was supposed to be just another official function—polished speeches and rounds of applause. But Wilbroda shattered the script, boldly questioning the government's fairness and its priorities.

“Bwana PCS, why am I paying housing levy yet I pay rent? PCS, why am I paying the same and I have a loan with Mwalimu Sacco? They are deducting Ksh.30,000 from my payslip. PCS, why am I suffering and I earn below the two-thirds rule? I earn 3k per month and I have to smile and look like a healthy teacher. I am not,” she said.

As if her frustrations weren’t enough, Wilbroda revealed that she is currently teaching alongside her former teacher, both stuck in the same job group. She decried what she called a deeply flawed promotion criteria.

“We are the teachers who got Ksh.29 increment in the just concluded salary, and we are suffering because of the monster called CPG, career progression guideline,” she said.

While some of Wilbroda’s questions received immediate responses, many remained unanswered.

“We are consulting with Teachers Service Commission and the other government stakeholders so that we can have a comprehensive coverage for our teachers under UHC, so that you don’t have to be paying twice for services that you are not getting, so that all teachers are given special opportunity,” said Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Basic Education.

“Issues of promotions, there must be a proper methodology, something you can justify. We want that implemented quickly between the Ministry of Education and TSC, so that teachers can benefit rightfully with their promotions. We want them to earn proper salaries,” said Mudavadi.

The candid exchange took place at Tande Secondary School in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, during an engagement forum attended by over 4,000 teachers and other government leaders.