KEWOTA CEO Benter Opande Opposes Scrapping of Hardship Allowances

By John Kariuki

Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) Chief Executive Officer Benter Opande has strongly opposed the government’s proposal to scrap hardship allowances for civil servants, terming it a direct violation of the Employment Act.

Speaking at Sigoti Girls Secondary School in Nyakach during the launch of a KEWOTA-supported water project, Opande said the allowances are a critical component of the remuneration package for civil servants working in challenging and often remote environments. She warned that removing them would not only contravene existing labour laws but also demotivate public officers serving in hardship areas.

“The hardship allowance is not a privilege, it is a right protected under employment laws and collective bargaining agreements,” she stressed, adding that civil servants in these regions face unique challenges, including poor infrastructure, insecurity, and harsh climatic conditions.

Opande’s remarks came as KEWOTA unveiled a major water project at Sigoti Girls Secondary School, set to benefit more than 2,800 girls by improving access to clean and safe water. She highlighted that the project aligns with KEWOTA’s broader mission of promoting the welfare and empowerment of women teachers and learners across the country.

“This water project is about more than convenience, it is about health, dignity, and creating a conducive learning environment for our girls,” she noted.

The KEWOTA CEO urged the government to reconsider the proposal to scrap the allowances, warning that it would exacerbate teacher shortages in already underserved areas. She called for meaningful engagement between the government, unions, and other stakeholders to protect the welfare of public servants while ensuring that service delivery in hardship areas is not compromised.

Her sentiments were echoed by local leaders and education stakeholders present at the event, who commended KEWOTA for addressing both welfare and developmental needs through such impactful initiatives.

With the hardship allowance debate gaining momentum, Opande’s firm stance signals a brewing pushback from labour and professional bodies determined to defend the rights and morale of public servants working in Kenya’s most challenging regions.