Willis Otieno criticises govt for failing teachers on pay and welfare
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 4, 2025Former Safina Party deputy presidential aspirant Willis Otieno has launched a sharp criticism against the government over its handling of teacher remuneration and welfare.
In a statement posted on Monday, August 4, 2025, he expressed concern over what he termed the continued mistreatment of teachers across the country.
Otieno took issue with the government’s failure to provide a structured and reliable salary system for educators, pointing out that teachers often face delayed payments and unfulfilled promises. He argued that these inconsistencies are not only demoralising but also undermine the core of the country’s education system.
“Our teachers deserve a structured and dignified payment program, not the usual gambling theatrics the government keeps playing with their lives. These are the men and women who shape generations, often working beyond the call of duty, yet they are constantly subjected to delayed salaries, broken promises, and politicised token gestures.” Willis said.
He emphasised that teachers, who are tasked with shaping the future of the nation, are routinely overlooked when it comes to compensation and benefits. Despite their critical role in society, they continue to endure financial instability and neglect from those in power.
According to Otieno, the current approach taken by the state is riddled with short-term tokenism and political gestures rather than long-term solutions. He called for the establishment of a clear and transparent salary structure, the honouring of collective bargaining agreements, and consistent, timely salary disbursements.
“A country that expects world-class learners cannot afford to treat its teachers like second-class citizens. Honour their work with transparent pay structures, respect for collective bargaining agreements, timely remittances, and benefits that reflect the weight of their responsibility.” He added.
Clashing with KNUT boss
This comes moments after him clashing with Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu, who sharply differed on the recently signed 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for teachers.
The disagreement came during speeches at a funeral of a retired educationist, where both leaders addressed teachers’ welfare in light of the newly negotiated deal with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Oyuu defended the CBA, saying it represented progress in a tough economic climate.
“KNUT negotiated a CBA 2025/2029. This CBA had both a cash component and a non-monetary component,” he stated, insisting the union had achieved what was possible under the circumstances.
He urged teachers to appreciate the effort and keep pushing for more.
“We appreciate the little that was given to these teachers. We appreciate this greatly, and we want to behave like Oliver Twist, picking from the right-hand side and asking for more using the left-hand side,” Oyuu said.
However, lawyer and politician Willis Otieno criticised the agreement as inadequate and an insult to the teaching profession.
“Our teachers deserve better. The salary increment per teacher amounts to 200 shillings per teacher, which is a mockery of the role that teachers are playing,” Otieno argued.