More than 52,000 retired teachers from 1997 group have commended the government for its recent goodwill release of their salaries and pension arrears amounting to Sh42.6 billion.
The retired teachers expressed optimism that the current development from the office of Attorney General, Solicitor general and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to start computing details and money for individual teachers was commendable.
Group secretary Gidraph Kimata however challenged the relevant offices that are involved in the release of the money to hasten the process as majority continue to die and suffer with ailments as they are unable to foot medical bills.
“We are not demanding the payment of Sh42.6 billion at once but in phases. We recognise financial constraints in the country at present,'' Kimata pointed out.
The group chairman, Joseph Mwenja, called for immediate release of Sh11.6 billion by the government to clear part of Sh42.6 Billion salary arrears and pensions.
‘‘We are sad to say that the Sh11.6 billion has already been budgeted for in three consecutive financial years but nothing has ever been released to us,'' said Mwenja.
The teachers also commended that the parliamentary committee on education for their effort to end the stalemate by insisting they be paid their dues without delays.