KEWOTA Boss Rejects Proposal to Scrap Hardship Allowances
0
0
By John Kariuki
Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) CEO Benter Opande has rejected government plans to scrap hardship allowances for civil servants, calling the proposal a violation of the Employment Act and a threat to service delivery in remote areas.
Speaking at Sigoti Girls Secondary School in Nyakach during the launch of a KEWOTA-supported water project, Opande stressed that the allowance is a legal entitlement under employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.
“Hardship allowance is not a privilege — it is a right. Scrapping it would demotivate civil servants who already face poor infrastructure, insecurity, and harsh climatic conditions,” she said.
Her remarks came as KEWOTA unveiled a clean water project set to benefit over 2,800 girls, improving health and learning conditions at the school.
Opande warned that eliminating the allowance could worsen teacher shortages in already underserved regions. She urged the government to engage unions and stakeholders to safeguard public servants’ welfare.
Local leaders present commended KEWOTA for addressing both welfare and development needs, noting that such initiatives empower teachers while improving education outcomes.
About The Author
