By John Kariuki
Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) Chief Executive Officer Benter Opande has criticised the government’s proposal to scrap hardship allowances for civil servants, terming it a violation of the Employment Act.
Speaking at Sigoti Girls Secondary School in Nyakach during the launch of a KEWOTA-backed water project, Opande said the allowances are an essential part of the pay package for officers working in remote and difficult environments. She warned that scrapping them would contravene labour laws and demotivate staff serving in hardship areas.
“The hardship allowance is not a privilege; it is a right protected under employment laws and collective bargaining agreements,” she said, noting that workers in these regions contend with poor infrastructure, insecurity, and harsh climatic conditions.
Her remarks came as KEWOTA unveiled a water project set to benefit more than 2,800 girls at Sigoti Girls by improving access to clean and safe water. Opande said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s mission to promote the welfare and empowerment of women teachers and learners.
“This project is about more than convenience — it is about health, dignity, and creating a conducive learning environment,” she said, urging the government to reconsider the proposal and engage unions and other stakeholders to protect public servants’ welfare and maintain service delivery in hardship areas.
Local leaders at the event applauded KEWOTA for addressing both welfare and development needs, as the debate over hardship allowances gathers momentum.