KISUMU, 11th Sept 2026 – Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers in Kisumu County today joined their colleagues nationwide in demanding that the government honours commitments aimed at improving their working conditions, career progression and welfare.
The teachers listed a raft of grievances, including the full implementation of the 2018 Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) for SNE teachers and the President’s pledge to award SNE teachers one job group ahead in their career progression.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ELCK Lutheran Special School, SNET National Vice Chairman Kenneth Odhiambo Otieno said SNE teachers across the country are aggrieved by years of unfulfilled promises.
“We as teachers of special needs, serving children living with special needs, are aggrieved. These concerns affect SNE educators countrywide and call for urgent action by the relevant authorities,” Otieno said.
The teachers are also demanding equal opportunities in career progression and recruitment without discrimination, recognition of the unique responsibilities and difficult working conditions of SNE teachers, and a review of special salary allowances for those handling learners with special needs.
Otieno noted that the union has engaged various arms of government, including Parliament and State House, where they were hosted by the President.
“There is a presidential directive that needs to be honoured. We were promised one job group ahead. We’ve been waiting since it was pronounced by the President at State House, but to date, nothing has come forth,” he said.
He added that the 2018 CPG, which provided proper grading for SNE teachers, has also stalled despite Parliament approving its implementation.
“Somebody, somewhere, is sleeping or trying to sweep this under the carpet. We are saying in a loud voice, in solidarity, that this is not a favour. It is our right. We don’t want to be discriminated against. The work we do is a special, noble calling and we serve these children with dignity,” he stated.
The teachers further want the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to review their special salary allowances to reflect the nature of their work.
“We don’t want to do a disservice to these children. They are like God to us, and we are doing service to humanity. We are tired, and if these things are not implemented, we don’t know where else to go,” Otieno said.
President William Ruto’s government, they noted is known for fulfilling its promises, “so let whoever is holding the President’s directive implement it so that teachers can see it reflected in their payslips.”
