Knec new payment rates. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a stern warning that they may boycott the duties of invigilating, supervising, and marking national examinations, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
The reason behind this potential action is the poor treatment and unfavorable conditions their members have faced.
As the scheduled dates for the start of national examinations are fast approaching at the end of this month, the union, through its national officers, expressed concern about the inadequate and risky working conditions.
Additionally, they raised issues regarding the meager and delayed payment of salaries for their members.
KUPPET has demanded an agreement with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to address these contentious issues before their members can commit to providing their services.
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During an annual general meeting held in Kisii County, KUPPET leaders from various regions gathered to discuss these concerns.
National Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima pointed out that there is currently no agreement between KUPPET and KNEC regarding the appointment and utilization of union members for invigilation and marking of national exams.
He highlighted the fact that teachers often work long hours during invigilation, leaving home early and returning late at night, resulting in overtime work. However, KNEC does not offer equal pay for this additional effort.
Nthurima emphasized that it is essential for KNEC to engage with the union to address this issue, which he described as discriminatory.
He noted that security teams (policemen) receive better compensation than teachers, further fueling the sense of discrimination.
The union also expressed concerns about the rates of payment for marking papers.
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According to Nthurima, KNEC pays less than Sh100 per marked paper, with variations depending on the subject.
Teachers are dismayed by this discrepancy and feel it is unjust.
Moreover, the working conditions for teachers who mark national examinations have come under scrutiny.
Teachers are often confined to exam marking centers, where they are not allowed to use communication devices such as mobile phones, which KUPPET views as a violation of their right to information.
The conditions at these centers, including unhygienic dormitories and the risk of contracting skin infections from bedbugs, have raised significant concerns.
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KUPPET urged its members not to report to the examination and marking centers until KNEC addresses these issues.
The union plans to use negotiations with KNEC to not only improve working conditions but also to revisit the marking rates per paper, which they consider inadequate.
The sentiment expressed by Mr. Nthurima was echoed by KUPPET national vice-president Julius Korir.
He emphasized that without an increase in payment for supervision, invigilation, and marking,
They are advising their members to consider boycotting the duties.
Korir emphasized the importance of members staying true to the union’s stance and not succumbing to unfavorable conditions.
KUPPET also voiced its opposition to the Ministry of Education’s attempt to assume some of the functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The union is determined to protect the independence of the TSC, as it is a hard-won achievement.
KUPPET is adamant that the TSC should not become a center of suffering for teachers but instead be a source of support and cooperation.
Another significant concern for KUPPET is the substantial pay gap between classroom teachers and head teachers in the same working environment.
They aim to bridge this gap to an internationally accepted standard, reducing it from the current 75% difference to no more than 25%.
Despite KUPPET’s recommendation for a salary increase in a collective bargaining agreement for 2021, it has yet to be implemented.
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KUPPET is urging the government to address this issue through negotiations.
Furthermore, KUPPET is calling for teachers in conflict-prone areas to be trained and equipped with guns to ensure their safety and enable them to provide quality education.
They argue that this is a more effective way to address security challenges in such regions.
The union has also raised concerns about the deployment of junior school teachers to primary schools, where they are expected to teach subjects beyond their training.
This has led to various challenges, including conflicts with head teachers who are often less qualified.
KUPPET is critical of the deployment of university graduate junior school teachers to primary schools,
Where they are given roles that don’t align with their qualifications.
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In conclusion, KUPPET is taking a strong stance on multiple issues, including the working conditions and pay of teachers involved in the national examination process.
The independence of the Teachers Service Commission, salary disparities between educators, and the deployment of teachers to appropriate roles.
They are urging their members to stand united and support their efforts to address these concerns through negotiation and collective action.
All wishes are make it at 1000/= per day.Look daily expenses for a day maybe not less than half of it as at now.Consieder the economic staty of teachers’ meagre payments.