Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) has urged MPs to fast-track and approve the Sh56 billion budget proposed by the Teachers Service Commission.
The union wants legislators to approve the budget in April before the next budget is read to enable the TSC meet its demand pertaining to the teachers’ salaries.
TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia had made the budget was proposal t to cater for the teachers’ salary increment.
KUSNET Secretary General James Torome said with the approval of the budget, teachers will get a pay rise in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements.
“It is high time the Kenyan MPs approve the ksh.56 billion proposed by the TSC to enhance implementation of the agreement. The employer will get funds and improve the welfare of teachers,” Torome noted, adding that the process should be accelerated.
He was speaking at Rodi Kopany, Homa Bay County where he was accompanied by KUSNET Vice Chairman Daniel Yator and the National Trustee Jackson Odindo.
Torome said some MPs prefer to discuss budgets in public forums such as funerals and informal gatherings in villages instead of in Parliament.
“Roadside declarations and other talks about approval of the budget are not helping us. We want to see MPs discuss the matter officially in the Parliament,” Torome noted.
The unionist also took the opportunity to ask the government not to privatise learning institutions saying it will make education unaffordable to many Kenyans.
By Linet Mwajuma and Sitna Omar