Teachers Union officials celebrate after the court ruled in their favour. Photo/ FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 1 – The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has stated that it will challenge the court ruling that directed the government to increase teachers’ basic pay by between 50 and 60 percent.
According to the commission’s chairperson Lydia Nzomo, TSC is justified to appeal the court ruling on grounds that the amount was not factored into the 2015/2016 budget.
Nzomo stated that implementation of the ruling will require an additional Sh70 billion based on the current establishment.
“The immediate requirement to pay the arrears accruing from July 1, 2013 to date is Sh51 billion. These funds are not available because they have not been budgeted for in the 2015/2016 financial year,” Nzomo explained.
She also said that TSC has a strong case against the ruling saying that teachers, who are public officers, should have their salaries determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
“In line with Article 230 of the Constitution, remuneration for all public officers is determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission which sets and regularly reviews the remuneration of all state officers,” she added.
The ruling, which was delivered on Tuesday by Judge Nderi Nduma, also ordered for the increased house allowance proposed in January 2015 to take effect from the first day of July as part of the award.
According to Nzomo, TSC has budgeted for the implementation of the government’s offer on increased house and hardship allowances whose implementation kicks in today.
“Teachers, like other public officers, deserve good payments. We therefore urge teachers to be patient and wait upon the government to evaluate their work so as to allow for fair remuneration,” Nzomo said.
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