Photo/LABAN WALLOGA Thousands of Primary School heads at a conference in Mombasa on July 27, 2011.  

Teachers were on Wednesday awarded 20 per cent pay increase with effect from month-end
It brings the salary of the lowest paid teacher in public schools to Sh13,700 a month while the highest paid teacher will get Sh120,270 minus allowances.
But some teachers said the pay increase was far below the rise in cost of living.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing teachers conference in Mombasa, Mr Joseph Jilo from Kaufara Primary School in Lamu appreciated that the government has honoured its promise, but complained that the increment was delayed.
It will also be insignificant due to prevailing inflation. “The 20 per cent we agreed with the government in 2009 should have been increased to above 40 per cent to make some significance in our lives,” he said.
Mr Jilo said since the government has taken too long to increase the salaries they should immediately start negotiating a new pay increase.
Mr Gitonga Mbaka, a senior teacher at Kizurini Secondary School in Kaloleni, suggested that the government backdate the increment to 2009 when the pay agreement was signed
Seeing the money
Mary Rasul of Mama Ngina Girls Secondary in Mombasa, said she would only believe they would get a pay rise when she sees the money.
“This can be mere public relations. Let’s wait and see if it will be reflected in our payslips,” she said.
Teachers Service Commission chairman Ibrahim Hussein told more than 10,000 primary school heads attending their conference in Mombasa that the increment wraps up the three-phase salary deal.
“As we come to the end of July, you have a 20 per cent increase to your salary. That is the agreement we reached with Kenya National Union of Teachers and other bodies. We are on course and we are keeping our promise..
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