Teachers Set for New Allowances Under Proposed Law
Kenyan teachers may soon benefit from a variety of new allowances contingent upon the passage of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Amendment Bill, 2024, by Parliament. The bill, which was introduced by Mandera South MP Abdul Haro, seeks to enhance the financial welfare of teachers by proposing nine specific allowances designed to address various roles and challenges within the profession.
The proposed allowances encompass a house allowance for all teachers, with those under interdiction continuing to receive it until their cases are resolved. Commuter allowances are likewise proposed; however, teachers under interdiction or suspension would not be qualified for this benefit.
In addition, a hardship allowance is designated for teachers employed in specified hardship areas, including regions of Baringo, Garissa, and Turkana counties.
Teachers undertaking administrative responsibilities beyond their grade or operating in arid and semi-arid lands would be eligible for a special duty allowance. Heads of institutions, deputy heads, and senior teachers in job group ‘K’ and below would qualify for a responsibility allowance, which becomes pensionable if received immediately preceding retirement.
Moreover, teachers possessing special education skills assigned to special schools or units would receive a special school allowance.
Further proposed allowances include a reader’s facilitation or aid allowance for teachers with disabilities, as authenticated by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities.
Additionally, an annual leave allowance and a transfer allowance for teachers reassigned by the TSC are included in the bill. These initiatives are aimed at acknowledging the diverse roles and challenges that teachers encounter, ensuring equitable compensation throughout the profession.