Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) chairman Omboko Milemba has dismissed claims that teachers visited State House seeking financial favours.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Milemba clarified that teachers were only given Sh10,000 each as transport reimbursement. He stressed that the primary purpose of the visit was to raise issues affecting teachers across the country.
“The visit was not about money. Teachers went to present their concerns, not to beg for handouts. I find it unfortunate that some leaders are questioning why teachers went to the State House. Teachers, like any other citizens, have the right to go there,” he said.
Milemba admitted that the teachers did receive Sh10,000 but maintained it was strictly for transport. He noted that about 10,000 teacher leaders attended the meeting.
According to him, the dialogue with President William Ruto resulted in significant progress. The government agreed to fast-track the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was initially set to be paid out over four years. It will now be implemented in two years.
“If that happens, it will be a big win for teachers,” Milemba remarked.
He drew a comparison between the current deal and earlier frustrations, recalling how teachers used to receive as little as Sh50 per phase after signing CBAs. “Those amounts were too little, but if the new deal is completed in two phases, it will make a real difference,” he explained.
On housing, Milemba said teachers contribute 13 per cent of the money channelled into the government’s affordable housing project. During a meeting with the President on Saturday, it was agreed that teachers would, in return, benefit from 20 per cent of the housing units.
