KUPPET Threatens National Exams Boycott Over Teachers’ Pay as Union Demands KNEC Allowances Review

By Andrew Mbuva 

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) leadership has threatened to lobby its members to boycott the supervision, management and marking of national examinations unless the government reviews the remuneration paid to teachers engaged by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Led by Secretary-General Akello Misori, the union has petitioned the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), seeking a review of the terms and allowances paid to teachers who serve as invigilators, supervisors, centre managers and examiners during national examinations.

KUPPET said the petition was made pursuant to Article 230(4)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates the SRC to advise the national and county governments on the remuneration and benefits of public officers.

The union also cited Article 119 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to petition Parliament or a commission established under the Constitution.

According to KUPPET, teachers have for years been engaged by KNEC to administer and manage national examinations under what the union describes as outdated and inadequate remuneration packages.

For the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), supervisors currently receive Sh630 per day, while centre managers are paid Sh500 and invigilators Sh430 per day.

Under the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), supervisors receive Sh4,080, centre managers Sh3,300 and invigilators Sh3,060.

For the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), supervisors receive Sh2,535, centre managers Sh1,615 and invigilators Sh1,665.

KUPPET has also raised concerns over the rates paid to KNEC examiners, commonly known as markers, with the union stating that the current rates range between Sh35 and Sh80.

The union is now pushing for the SRC to review the remuneration structure, arguing that teachers undertaking examination duties should receive compensation that reflects the responsibilities and workload involved.

The threat to boycott examination duties could affect the administration of national assessments, including KPSEA and KCSE, if the union proceeds with mobilising its members.

KUPPET is calling for a review of the existing arrangements before teachers are again engaged in the administration and marking of national examinations.