Members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (Kuppet) in Kisumu County have welcomed the court ruling on the 50-60 per cent basic salary hike.
The teachers were given the pay by the Employment and Labour Relations Court after a six-month court battle with Teachers Service Commission that opposed the increment.
The branch chairman, Zablon Awange, said they welcome the court verdict which is historical and has affirmed independence of Judiciary.
Awange said though they are disappointed that although they did not get 200 per cent, they will accept the 50 per cent in four phases in the spirit of entrenching the rule of law.
He said yesterday that the cabinet secretary for Education, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, should not antagonise teachers further to avert the major strike.
The chairman said the treasurer should source for funds and factor in the courts award in the budget.
He said the public should not be treated to sideshows of Kaimenyi, the biggest impediment to teachers pay.
Kaimenyi said earlier in the parliament building that the government cannot be forced into giving salary increment if the economy is not sustainable.
He said even though the government has to comply with the court orders, they will only heed the court’s decisions once it determines whether the economy can sustain pay rise.
“We are ready for strike and the verdict was fair to both parties hence implementation should not be difficult,” Awange said.