Teachers in Hardship Areas Demand 40pc Allowance in Upcoming CBA
Teachers stationed in remote and arid regions across the country are demanding a substantial increase in their hardship allowance, urging that it be reviewed and fixed at 40 percent of their basic salary.
The demand comes ahead of the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that are set to be signed before June 30, 2025, marking the expiry of the current terms.
The Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (KETHAWA), a lobby representing the interests of educators serving in challenging environments, has raised concerns over the continued neglect of hardship-related compensation in national negotiations.
The group argues that the current allowance structure does not reflect the reality of the difficult conditions under which their members work and live.
In a strongly worded statement, KETHAWA expressed disappointment over what it described as the persistent exclusion of hardship allowance adjustments from the proposals currently being considered by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). According to the association, KUPPET has so far prioritized discussions around basic salaries, house allowances, commuter benefits, and subsistence allowances—leaving out what KETHAWA views as the most pressing concern for its members.
“It has come to our attention that while other allowances are being prioritized in CBA negotiations, no consideration has been made for hardship allowance increment. This repeated omission is not only discriminatory but undermines the dignity and rights of teachers who continue to serve in some of the country’s most difficult terrains,” said Mr. Wangonya Wangenye, KETHAWA National Secretary.
Mr. Wangenye emphasized that the hardship allowance is the only financial provision specifically designed to address the unique challenges teachers face in remote areas. These challenges include insecurity, poor infrastructure, lack of clean water and healthcare services, and general isolation from essential amenities.
“As much as we recognize KUPPET’s legal mandate to negotiate on behalf of teachers, we are deeply concerned by the continued sidelining of our members’ needs. The failure to review hardship allowances while addressing other benefits constitutes a violation of constitutional rights and perpetuates historical injustices,” he added.
Currently, hardship allowances range from KSh6,600 for teachers in Grade B5 to KSh38,100 for those in Grade D5. KETHAWA, however, argues that these figures remain outdated and grossly insufficient given the socio-economic realities in designated hardship zones.
The association insists that these allowances should not only be reviewed upwards but also indexed to a percentage of the basic salary—proposing a flat rate of 40 percent across all teaching grades.
In a formal letter to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nancy Macharia, KETHAWA reiterated that it had earlier submitted a proposal dated April 14, 2023, outlining its recommendations. The association now demands that the contents of that proposal be incorporated into the final draft of the 2025–2029 CBA.
“Any genuine attempt to address the welfare of teachers must include provisions for those serving in hardship areas. This cannot be done without consultation and concurrence with our association. We are the direct representatives of these teachers, and their concerns must be heard and acted upon,” Mr. Wangenye noted.
Historical data shows significant variations in hardship allowances over the years. In 2019, the lowest-paid teachers received about KSh3,055 monthly, while the highest received up to KSh13,479.
Although subsequent adjustments have led to current rates ranging from KSh10,900 to KSh38,100, KETHAWA insists that these figures are still not reflective of the cost and risks borne by its members.
The association has now warned that failure to address their concerns in the upcoming CBA will trigger lawful industrial action. It asserts that teachers will not remain passive while discriminatory practices continue to deny them fair compensation for their service.
“Failure to incorporate our input in the 2025–2029 CBA will be met with all lawful means of resistance. We will no longer allow our members to be treated as second-class professionals. The time for justice, equity, and recognition of the teachers in hardship areas is now,” declared Mr. Wangenye.
As the CBA negotiations proceed, pressure is mounting on both KUPPET and the TSC to recognize the critical role played by teachers in marginalized regions.
Stakeholders now await the next move from the negotiating parties, as KETHAWA stands firm on its demand for a 40 percent hardship allowance.
In Other News: Prophet Lovy Predicts Successor to Pope Francis After Accurate Forewarning of the Pontiff’s Death
Teachers in Hardship Areas Demand 40pc Allowance in Upcoming CBA
