Confirm Interns and Implement CBA, Says KNUT Ahead of Teachers Strike
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has thrown its support behind a potential nationwide teachers’ strike in response to the government’s failure to honor a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) worth KSh 13.5 billion.
Speaking in West Pokot, local KNUT representatives expressed their frustration with the government’s delay in implementing the CBA, which covers the 2023-2025 period.
“We want the Kenya government to honor our CPA the 13.5 billion is just a small amount of money in Kenya,” Martin Sembelo, the Executive Secretary said.
KNUT officials have urged the government, particularly the Treasury, to prioritize the immediate release of the funds stipulated in the CBA, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
The union has called for “minimum delay but maximum speed” in addressing the teachers’ demands, warning that failure to do so will result in industrial action.
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In a passionate address, KNUT members from West Pokot made it clear that they would fully support any strike called by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The strike is being planned to coincide with the opening of the new school term on the 26th of the month, and teachers are prepared to stay on strike until their demands are met.
Additionally, the union highlighted other pressing issues affecting teachers, such as the stagnation of promotions and the lack of clarity in the promotion process managed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
KNUT has demanded that the TSC develop a more efficient and transparent system for promoting teachers, warning that the current situation is untenable.
KNUT officials also issued a caution to parents, advising them not to send their children to school during the strike period, as there will be no teachers present to conduct classes. The union has emphasized that while they do not wish to disrupt education, they feel compelled to act due to the government’s inaction.
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This looming strike reflects the growing tension between Kenyan teachers and the government, with KNUT warning that if their demands are not met, they are ready to engage in a prolonged and disruptive industrial action.
The outcome of this standoff will likely have significant implications for the country’s education system as schools prepare to open for the new term.
Confirm Interns and Implement CBA, Says KNUT Ahead of Teachers Strike
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