Nairobi: Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers in Eldoret have urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to implement a presidential directive granting them one additional job grade. Speaking in Eldoret, SNE teacher Peter Mutai said the directive was issued in September 2025 during a meeting between teachers’ representatives and President William Ruto at State House.
According to Kenya News Agency, the grade has not been implemented to date, despite the recognition of the remarkable work SNE teachers do. Mutai commended the President for acknowledging the important work carried out by SNE teachers across the country and urged the TSC to implement the directive without further delay. Another SNE teacher, Scholastica Korir, called on the President to exert more pressure on the TSC to act on the directive, expressing that they have been patient enough and now feel that action should be taken.
Ruth Njagi reminded the TSC that a 2017 job evaluation conducted by the commission and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommended two additional job groups for SNE teachers, but the recommendation has yet to be implemented. She noted that SNE teachers had petitioned Parliament in 2023 on the same issue, but no changes have occurred since then.
The teachers also raised concerns over delays in the disbursement of capitation funds to SNE units, saying these delays have disrupted learning and co-curricular activities. SNE teacher Sarah Keino appealed to Commissioner Wilson Sossion to help raise their concerns with the TSC. She expressed gratitude for Sossion’s previous efforts as the secretary-general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and asked for his support in pushing the matter forward.
The teachers highlighted the intensive attention, monitoring, and care required for SNE learners, with responsibilities sometimes including feeding, administering medication, and changing clothes. They argued that their current remuneration does not adequately reflect these demanding responsibilities. Keino emphasized that the pay does not align with their work and called for an increment, urging the TSC to consider their needs as well.
Additionally, Sirima Mary called for the introduction of a risk allowance, citing safety challenges faced by teachers working with older learners. She explained that SNE schools have no age limit, with some institutions having learners aged over 35 and up to 45 years. Mary stated that teachers face potential harm from these learners and emphasized the need for a risk allowance due to the unpredictable nature of the harm that can be caused.
