Across the country, hundreds of science teachers are quietly going the extra mile to ensure that practical lessons and national examinations run smoothly. They prepare laboratories, dilute chemicals, label reagents, arrange apparatus, and supervise delicate experiments—all essential tasks that make science education real and meaningful.

Yet, despite their critical contribution, these teachers remain unpaid for this extra workload. Their only token of appreciation? A packet of milk.

This practice is not only demoralising but also unjust. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) pays contracted professionals such as invigilators, supervisors, and examiners, but the teachers who prepare and facilitate science practicals are glaringly excluded from this list. They are, in essence, performing contracted duties without compensation.

Science departments in many schools operate under constrained budgets. Teachers sometimes dig into their own pockets to purchase or replace reagents and apparatus. It is disheartening when their efforts are rewarded only with a beverage token rather than fair remuneration.

If Kenya is to sustain meaningful science education and inspire learners to pursue STEM fields, we must begin by valuing the professionals who make it happen. The Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission and KNEC should urgently review their policies to include science practical preparation under payable contracted services.

Recognising and compensating these teachers will not only boost morale but also improve the quality and safety of science instruction in schools. The tokenism of a packet of milk should end. It is time to pay science teachers their due for the critical role they play in nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.