Tensions are mounting just weeks ahead of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, as teachers threaten to take action over an unresolved pay dispute.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is facing pressure from educators who are demanding increased allowances for invigilating, supervising, and marking exams.
Led by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), they are calling for daily rates of Ksh3,000 for invigilators, Ksh3,500 for supervisors, and Ksh4,500 for principals, a significant increase from the current Ksh400 to Ksh500.
Despite submitting a formal request to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in September, the government has remained silent.
KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori criticised the government for not addressing the issue.
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“They’ve only called teachers for briefings, not discussions on allowances,” he said.
Teachers are becoming increasingly frustrated, with unions warning of possible industrial action if their demands are not addressed.
KNEC, already under financial strain with a Ksh 5 billion budget, is facing additional pressure due to a rise in registered candidates, now totaling 965,501 across 10,755 centres.
The KCSE exams are set to take place from October 28 to November 22, 2024. In response to online misinformation, KNEC has urged Kenyans to rely on official sources for accurate exam schedules.
