The meeting, held on Saturday, September 13, was meant to highlight the government’s support for educators. However, the day ended with complaints about delayed payments, long queues, and chaotic money distribution.
According to reports, each teacher was promised a KSh 10,000 allowance to cover travel and other expenses. But what was supposed to be a smooth process quickly turned messy.
Read full story here
After hours of waiting in the hot sun, groups of teachers began to grow impatient as officials struggled to control the large crowds.
Witnesses said some educators went without meals, while others complained that the allowance was too little given the hardships of traveling to Nairobi.
After hours of waiting in the hot sun, groups of teachers began to grow impatient as officials struggled to control the large crowds.
Witnesses said some educators went without meals, while others complained that the allowance was too little given the hardships of traveling to Nairobi.
One teacher lamented that after leaving Kakamega on Friday night, he only received his payment close to midnight on Saturday.
“I feel my journey was not worth it. I am going back home more exhausted than fulfilled,” he said.
Despite the confusion, sources revealed that the government spent over KSh 100 million on the event. A portion of this money reportedly went to union leaders, with some said to have pocketed between KSh 100,000 and KSh 180,000.
The allegations stirred anger among rank-and-file teachers, who felt shortchanged after waiting for hours for their share.
The incident has now raised questions about how such large-scale gatherings are planned and monitored. Critics argue that the distribution of money in public events fuels suspicion of bribery and undermines the dignity of the teaching profession.
Still, the meeting was not without results. President Ruto agreed to review the medical cover for more than 400,000 teachers under the Teachers Service Commission.
Union officials had pushed for better health benefits, arguing that the current Minet-Kenya scheme offered fewer perks compared to other public service packages.
The government extended the cover for another year, even as discussions continue on whether teachers should be enrolled in the new Social Health Insurance scheme.
0 Comments