In a heartfelt plea, officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have raised alarm over the burdensome taxation system that appears to be suffocating educators across the country. According to www.standardmedia.co.ke, high taxes have left many teachers struggling to afford basic living expenses, forcing them to consider side hustles and loans to make ends meet.

Teachers on the Brink

The sentiments shared by KUPPET officials in Kilifi and Tana River counties are indicative of a broader crisis. Teachers, already working long hours, are now seeking additional jobs outside their teaching commitments. This moonlighting may keep households afloat but, alas, it takes a toll on the quality of education delivered to students.

Leadership Speaks Out

KUPPET’s Secretary General, Omollo Koppolo of Kilifi County, and Omondi Oluoch from Tana River, have voiced their concerns at a recent financial literacy meeting. They emphasized the need for teachers to seek additional income streams to counter the economic pressures brought about by excessive taxation.

The Call for Financial Literacy

During the meeting held in Malindi, businessman Alfred Agunga and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi underscored the importance of smart financial planning for teachers. Agunga advocated for teachers to explore agricultural ventures, noting that this sector promises substantial returns over the next decade.

The Political Repercussions

MP Mnyazi assured teachers that their plight would not go unnoticed in the broader government’s agenda. Acknowledging the critical role educators play in shaping Kenya’s future, she stressed that their voices must be heard and responded to, even in a potentially disapproving political climate.

A Need for Balance

Teachers like Agunga and public figures like Babu Owino continue to challenge educational policies that appear disconnected from the reality on the ground. The recent controversial proposal to optionally phase out compulsory mathematics education has added fuel to an already heated debate on educational reform.

The cries of Kenya’s educators echo a pressing need for more substantial governmental support to relieve fiscal pressures and improve the educational environment. Will the government heed these calls and implement pivotal change or will the status quo persist? Only time will tell.