At least 98 percent of Kwale teachers have been listed in Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), according to the local Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) branch.

Kwale branch Kuppet Secretary Edward Oronje said that due to poor payments and outstanding loans, teachers have struggled to repay their debts on time.

“A significant number of our teachers are listed under CRB for failing to settle their Saccos and bank loans,” he said.

He said that teachers have been receiving bank notifications for failing to make their monthly debt contributions due to delayed payments.

Oronje added that teachers sometimes go up to two months without receiving their salaries, which increases their debt interest.
He said that teachers are living under increasingly dire conditions, and the situation is worsening daily.

Oronje also lamented the inadequate medical cover for teachers, noting that many are dying because they cannot afford timely treatment.

He noted that despite NHIF deducting money for medical coverage, teachers often struggle to access treatment and are frequently informed that their contributions have not been remitted.

Oronje said it is sad that teachers have to queue for days in hospitals waiting for approval for them get treatment. He made the remarks while joining the nationwide teachers strike at Kwale town in Matuga sub-county.

Oronje said they will not call off their strike until the government hear there plight. He said the Teacher Service Commission must consider employing all the Junior Secondary School teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.