CC image coutersy of Marcin Wichary
Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) could join teachers in supporting the slashing of the proposed KSh53.2 billion (US$620.4 million) budget for free laptops for pupils, if the government fails to cater for the teachers’ allowances.
Jakayo Midiwo, Gem MP and deputy minority leader, threatened to move an amendment of the budgetary allocation by the National Treasury so teacher salaries and allowances are paid properly.
“I will move an amendment on the floor of this House to stop rolling out of laptops programme and pay teachers because this is a matter the country must confront,” Midiwo said in Parliament.
The Orange Democratic Leader said there is no reason for the teachers to go on strike and what they are asking for is less than a half of what the Jubilee government has earmarked for the project.
Teachers have issued a strike warning to press for implementation of the collective bargaining agreement signed with the government in 1997.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) national chairman Wilson Sossion is adamant there would be no negotiation with the government in the implementation of any education project if the KSh50 billion to promote teachers and pay their allowances is not factored in the National Budget.
He said all teachers would treat the laptops initiative as a “highly suspicious project”.
