The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Makueni Branch Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki. Photo Facebook Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Makueni Branch has raised fresh concerns over the welfare of teachers, with Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki calling for urgent government action on hardship allowances, employment, promotions, and curriculum reforms.
Speaking during the union’s Annual General Meeting at ACK Wote Township Boarding Primary and Junior School, Ndambuki said recent moves by some government quarters to review hardship areas were “unacceptable and uncalled for.”
“We feel disrespected, dishonoured, and belittled because that decision was arrived at without proper public participation. We shall contest any move to scrap hardship allowances with all the force and resources at our disposal,” Ndambuki declared.
He revealed that the union would push for a legal framework to have hardship areas gazetted and constitutionally protected to avoid recurring disputes.
Turning to the acute teacher shortage, Ndambuki said schools were overstretched, especially under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and demanded an increase in staffing.
“Employment of more teachers in the wake of the new curriculum is a priority. The shortage is real, and we urge the government to allocate a bigger budget to absorb all qualified teachers, some of whom have been waiting since 2011,” he said.
On teacher promotions, the union boss criticized the current Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), arguing that it disadvantages teachers who have advanced their studies.
“We recommend a review of the policy so that promotions capture higher qualifications, merit, and experience. This is also an opportunity for the employer to strategically place teachers in implementing CBC, particularly in junior secondary,” he added.
Ndambuki also decried the exploitation of teachers in acting administrative positions without confirmation.
“Many of our members serve in acting capacity for years only to be replaced. Teachers appointed to act must be confirmed after six months, as per the law,” he demanded.
Reflecting on the nine-year journey of CBC, Ndambuki praised teachers for their resilience despite initial challenges such as lack of textbooks, abrupt pedagogical shifts, and inadequate financial support.
“Teachers have been bold and innovative, ensuring CBC survives its teething problems. As Grade 9 transitions to senior school in 2026, the role played by teachers deserves recognition and appreciation,” he affirmed.
He assured teachers that KNUT would remain steadfast in defending their rights and ensuring better working conditions.
