The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is facing tough questions from lawmakers over what they call outdated and unfair criteria for hardship allowances.
During a recent session with the National Assembly Committee on Education, MPs challenged the Commission on why teachers in towns like Nairobi, Kisii, and Nyeri still receive hardship pay, while those in remote, insecure regions such as Turkana and Garissa are left out.
TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei admitted that reforms were overdue. She told the committee that proposals had already been submitted to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to reclassify hardship zones using current data that reflects challenges like insecurity, poor infrastructure, and high living costs.
MPs argue the current hardship classification, based on historical data, fails to reflect present realities. Many allowances continue to go to urban areas, while teachers in genuinely difficult conditions receive no extra support—undermining morale and worsening teacher shortages in marginalised regions.
Mitei noted that while the TSC makes recommendations, the final classifications come from the SRC and Treasury and are binding. She also said the commission would raise related issues, including municipality allowances, with the Public Service Commission.
The review is part of broader reforms under the 2023–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements, now in their second phase. Parliament is pushing for the changes to be finalised before the current financial year ends.
Lawmakers have urged the SRC to fast-track the process and involve unions and county officials to ensure accuracy and fairness.
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