Teachers Set for New Allowances Under Proposed Law
Kenyan educators may soon gain from a variety of new allowances if the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Amendment Bill, 2024, receives approval from Parliament. The bill, put forward by Mandera South MP Abdul Haro, seeks to enhance the financial well-being of teachers by proposing nine distinct allowances customized for various responsibilities and challenges within the profession.
The suggested allowances comprise a housing allowance for all educators, with those facing interdiction continuing to receive it until their situations are resolved. Commuter allowances have also been suggested, although educators under interdiction or suspension would not qualify.
In addition, a hardship allowance is designated for educators working in specified hardship regions, such as certain areas of Baringo, Garissa, and Turkana counties.
Educators undertaking administrative responsibilities beyond their grade or working in arid and semi-arid regions would receive a special duty allowance. Heads of institutions, deputy heads, and senior educators in job group ‘K’ and lower would qualify for a responsibility allowance, which becomes pensionable if received right before retirement.
Moreover, educators with special education qualifications assigned to special schools or units would receive a special school allowance.
Additional suggested allowances include a reader’s facilitation or aid allowance for educators with disabilities, validated by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities.
An annual leave allowance and a transfer allowance for educators relocated by the TSC are also included in the bill. These initiatives aim to acknowledge the various responsibilities and challenges educators encounter, ensuring equitable compensation for all.
