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Roy Lumbe @lumbe_roy

Hundreds of private school teachers in Nakuru have called on the National and County governments to list them among the vulnerable group. 

The teachers under the umbrella of Nakuru County Board of Management and Private Schools Association said the closure of schools has had a negative impact on their payrolls. 

They said most private schools fully depend on the operations to generate revenue to meet teachers’ salaries and other operational costs which is currently not the case. 

Hawala Fred, an official of the group, said they have not received salaries since March after the government ordered the closure of all learning institutions. 

He observed that with the extension of the reopening of schools to September most teachers are staring at a glim future saying there was a need to be listed among the vulnerable. 

“Currently, we are jobless since our employers depend on the school fees paid by students to run the institutions and also pay us,” said Hawala. 

On his part, Stephen Oguto confirmed that a number of their members have had their contracts terminated by their various schools because of the inability to sustain their payrolls. 

Oguto said most teachers employed by BOM’s and private institutions have been left destitute, adding that they are now unable to meet their financial obligations including paying rent. 

“Unlike public schools, private schools do not receive capitation, this could have really cushioned us during this time,” said Oguto. 

Henry Kong’ said the profession has been hard hit with the extension of a possible reopening in September proving to be a nightmare for them. 

He added that most of them are almost being kicked out of their rental homes calling on the two levels of government to intervene. 

“We just need assistance, whatever amount the government will give us we will be okay with it since our livelihoods have been stopped abruptly,” he added.