Machakos KUPPET Executive Secretary Musembi Katuku Demands Higher Exam Supervision Pay, Threatens Teachers' Boycott

Machakos KUPPET Executive Secretary Musembi Katuku has raised serious concerns regarding inadequate allowances for teachers involved in supervising the Kenya National Examinations. Speaking from his office today, Katuku warned that teachers may withdraw their services if the government fails to address the issue by increasing the daily allowances for Centre Managers, Supervisors, and Invigilators.

(Machakos KUPPET Executive Secretary Musembi Katuku addressing the Media at his office. // PHOTO - Hillary Musyoki) 

Katuku highlighted that Centre Managers, who are typically school principals, currently receive a daily allowance of Ksh. 500. He argued that this amount is insufficient and called for an increase to a minimum of Ksh. 2,500.

“We are asking the government to consider increasing the Centre Managers' allowance from the meager Ksh. 500 to at least Ksh. 2,500 per day,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for their responsibilities.

Supervisors, who are also currently paid Ksh. 500 per day, should have their allowances raised to Ksh. 2,000, according to Katuku.

“Supervisors deserve not less than Ksh. 2,000 per day for the crucial role they play in ensuring the smooth running of the exams,” he insisted, underlining their vital contribution to the examination process.

Invigilators, who presently earn Ksh. 450 daily, are similarly affected, and Katuku advocates for their pay to be increased to at least Ksh. 2,000.

“It’s unacceptable that invigilators receive just Ksh. 450 for such a critical task. We are advocating for nothing less than Ksh. 2,000 per day for them,” he emphasized.

Additionally, Katuku urged the government to allocate allowances to Deputy Centre Managers, who currently receive no compensation during the examination period, recognizing their vital support role.

He issued a stern warning, stating that if the Ministry of Education does not respond positively, teachers may have no choice but to boycott the examination process.

“If the government doesn’t address these concerns, we will have no choice but to advise our members to withdraw from the exercise,” he warned, signaling the seriousness of the situation.

As the examination dates approach, with practicals set to begin on the 20th of this month and theory exams starting on the 4th of November, Katuku concluded by wishing all candidates the best in their preparations.