Teachers in Hardship Areas Accuse KUPPET of Neglect, Demand 40% Hardship Allowance Increase
Teachers working in some of Kenya’s most challenging environments are calling for urgent reforms in their compensation, accusing the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) of overlooking their plight. According to the Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (KETHAWA), KUPPET’s latest proposals for the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have failed to include any adjustment to the hardship allowance—despite other allowances being prioritized.
“It has come to our notice that KUPPET has tabled proposals on basic salary, house allowance, commuter and subsistence allowances—yet, once again, there is no mention of an increment in hardship allowance,” said Wangonya Wangenye, KETHAWA’s national secretary.
The hardship allowance, which is the only benefit directly addressing the extreme conditions faced by teachers in remote areas, remains outdated and insufficient, according to KETHAWA. Currently, teachers in Grade B5 receive Sh6,600, while those in Grade D5 get up to Sh38,100. These figures, they argue, do not match the high cost of living and operational difficulties experienced in hardship areas, including insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a lack of basic amenities.
KETHAWA is demanding that the hardship allowance be increased to 40% of a teacher’s basic salary, a move they believe would offer fair compensation and reflect the realities on the ground.
“As much as we appreciate the union’s legal mandate to negotiate on behalf of teachers, we view the omission of hardship allowance as outright discrimination and a constitutional violation of our members’ rights,” Wangenye added.
In a letter addressed to Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia, KETHAWA insists that any future review of hardship areas must include direct consultation with their association. They noted that similar input had been submitted in 2023 but was not reflected in the current proposals.
“We shall not sit back as discrimination, dating back many years, is perpetuated against our members. Any future review of hardship areas must involve consultation with our association,” said Wangenye.
The association’s call comes amidst increasing dissatisfaction among educators working under difficult conditions. Historically, hardship allowances have seen marginal increases—from Sh3,055 to Sh13,479 in 2019—to the current range of Sh10,900 to Sh38,100. However, KETHAWA maintains that these adjustments fall short of what is needed.
With the welfare of thousands of teachers hanging in the balance, the focus now shifts to how TSC and KUPPET will respond to the growing pressure from grassroots educators demanding equity and justice in the forthcoming CBA negotiations.
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Teachers in Hardship Areas Accuse KUPPET of Neglect, Demand 40% Hardship Allowance Increase