Photo: New Vision

Teachers have threatened to go on strike if they are not paid over six months arreas.

The minimum pay for primary school teachers may soon be increased to sh500, 000 if the Government accepts a recommendation by the Ministry of Education.

The ministry says, under the prevailing cost of living, a modest budget for a primary school teacher amounts to sh657, 000.

As a result, the ministry is proposing that the pay for teachers at the minimum be raised to sh500,000, up from 310,000.

The proposal was revealed during the 19th Education Sector Review at Hotel Africana by the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Nsubuga.

It was argued that this will improve the teachers' attitude and morale.

There have been rampant reports of teacher absenteeism and attrition, with many of them resorting to other jobs.

It is proposed that once the pay is increased, there should also be tougher conditions for teachers' commitment to their jobs.

Education ministry's permanent secretary Francis Xavier Lubanga told New Vision that the pay increase proposal has already been discussed and passed in the ministry's top level meeting.

The proposal is yet to be tabled before the Cabinet for discussion and approval before it can be presented to Parliament.

Education minister Maj. Jessica Alupo said: "This is a justifiable new proposal coming up."

She hastened to add, however, that the Government is implementing a progressive increment of teachers' salaries, which will grow to 50% after three financial years.

Sources said if the proposal passes, it will also mean that secondary school teachers' salaries would be increased.

The lowest paid graduate teacher in secondary school earns about sh480,000.