In the heart of Nairobi, the role of teachers employed by Boards of Management (BOM) is indispensable in sustaining quality education, especially in public institutions. These educators often step in to fill gaps left by a shortage of teachers formally employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). However, their salaries have long been a topic of concern, reflecting broader challenges within the education sector. Understanding the dynamics surrounding BOM teachers’ pay in Nairobi requires delving into the mechanisms of their employment, the financial constraints faced by schools, and the socio-economic realities these teachers endure.
Who Are BOM Teachers?
BOM teachers are recruited by individual schools through their Boards of Management to address staffing shortages. These positions are not permanent and lack the formal protections and benefits that come with TSC employment. BOM contracts are locally negotiated, and salaries are paid directly by the schools, often sourced from school fees or other income-generating activities. In Nairobi, where the cost of living is significantly higher than in other parts of the country, this arrangement creates unique challenges for both schools and teachers.
BOM Teachers Salaries in Nairobi
The salaries of BOM teachers in Nairobi are not standardized and vary widely depending on the financial capability of the school.
Elite public schools with higher enrollments and better funding may offer BOM teachers slightly better pay, sometimes ranging between Sh10,000 and Sh20,000 per month.
However, in many cases, teachers earn far less, with some receiving as little as Sh5,000 monthly. Such wages are barely sufficient to meet basic needs, especially in a city like Nairobi, where the cost of housing, transport, and food continues to rise.
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Payment is often inconsistent, with some teachers going for months without receiving their full salaries due to delays in fee collection or financial mismanagement within schools. This irregularity affects teachers’ morale and their ability to deliver quality education. Unlike their TSC counterparts, BOM teachers do not have access to benefits such as medical insurance, pension schemes, or job security, further compounding their financial struggles.
Challenges Faced by BOM Teachers in Nairobi
The inadequacy of BOM teachers’ salaries in Nairobi is a reflection of structural issues within the education system. Many schools, especially those in low-income areas, lack sufficient funding to pay competitive wages. The reliance on school fees for salary payments creates disparities, as schools in affluent neighborhoods can charge higher fees and thus offer better pay, while schools in economically disadvantaged areas struggle to meet even basic operational costs.
Moreover, the absence of a formal framework to regulate BOM teachers’ salaries leaves room for exploitation and inconsistent treatment. Teachers often work long hours, juggling large class sizes and extracurricular responsibilities, yet their contributions remain undervalued. The lack of professional development opportunities and the temporary nature of their contracts further exacerbate their plight, leading to high turnover rates in Nairobi schools.
The plight of BOM teachers has sparked calls for reforms to ensure fair compensation and job security. Teachers’ unions and education stakeholders have consistently advocated for the government to absorb BOM teachers into the TSC system. While progress has been slow, there have been discussions on creating a standardized pay structure for BOM teachers to reduce disparities and improve their working conditions.
Parents and communities also play a crucial role in supporting BOM teachers. Schools that actively engage parents in discussions about fee structures and prioritize teachers’ welfare are better positioned to attract and retain qualified educators. Additionally, innovative approaches such as partnerships with private organizations and local governments could help supplement school budgets and improve teacher compensation.
