Teachers get June pay but SRC warning sparks jitters

Teachers have finally been paid their June salaries, more than a week after they called off their month-long strike which had paralysed learning in public schools countrywide.

Knut chairman Wilson Sossion Thursday told the Nation that the teachers received their salaries between Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Most of them have received their salaries for the month of June. They received the salaries in full, there were no deductions,” Mr Sossion said.

Some teachers who spoke to the Nation independently also confirmed that they had received their June pay.

“The money was in our accounts Wednesday, but our counterparts who are affiliated to Kuppet received their pay much earlier,” said a teacher in Nairobi.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers has warned that its members would resist any attempts by the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) to withhold their July salaries as recommended by Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). The salaries team had asked TSC not to pay the salaries on grounds that the teachers absconded duty and, therefore, deserve no pay.

“We have written to TSC insisting that it pays teachers by July 31, failure to which it will provoke an uncontrollable industrial action,” Mr Sossion said.

He said that reports that the salaries commission had written to the TSC advising it to withhold the July salaries were already causing tension among teachers.

“Already there is a go slow within our learning institutions because of the revelations,” Mr Sossion said.

TSC Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni was yesterday quoted saying that he had received the letter and was contemplating the next course of action.

“We shall follow the law. We will look at what the Constitution and the labour laws say on such cases, then we will make a decision,” he said.

In a related development, a 14-year-old girl who caused a stir after she was show on television shedding tears when she and her colleagues were sent home at the height of the strike has been given a sponsorship by Knut deputy treasurer Richard Kibagendi.

Although Pauline Atieno first came to the limelight when she shed tears of sorrow, yesterday the Amani Primary School pupil was all smiles after she was sponsored to join St Augustine Preparatory School in Tudor, a boarding school.

Standard Seven pupil

During the strike, the Standard Seven pupil had pleaded with the government to quickly end the teachers strike so that she and other pupils could resume their studies.

There was song and dance as students and teachers of St Augustine welcomed her at her new school.

Knut Coast National Executive member Dan Aloo and other branch leaders represented Mr Kibagendi in escorting the girl to her new school.

“I never knew that I will get such an opportunity,” said Pauline amid tears as she vowed to excel in her studies.

Mr Aloo said Mr Kibagendi was touched by the plight of the girl after her story was aired on TV.

“Teachers are not only concerned about fighting for their salaries but are also parents and important stakeholders of education. We appreciate the school for accepting Pauline and we wish her the best,” said Mr Aloo.

Mr Kibagendi who was unable to attend the ceremony due to other engagements said in a telephone interview that he was moved by Pauline’s love for education.

St Augustine headteacher Sarah Kessi urged Pauline to aim at getting 350 marks and above to secure a seat in a good secondary school after completing her primary education.

“The competition at this school, I won’t lie to you, is very high but we are all here to assist you,” Ms Kessi said.

“You are welcome and consider us your parents. All you do here study, eat and sleep.”

She added that securing a chance at the School is normally not easy but Pauline’s determination to make them give her the chance.

Pauline’s new desk mate, Emily Jebet, also promised to give her all the induction and help she requires.

Pauline’s parents thanked Mr Kibagendi for assisting their daughter.

“I have been jobless since the year 2002 and only rely on my hawking business to feed the family,” said Mr Peterlis Juma, Pauline’s father.

Pauline’s mother Mrs Rosemary said that she has no doubt that her daughter will excel because she has witnessed her determination at home.