Anxiety Over School Reopening as Teachers Strike Begins Tomorrow
The upcoming reopening of schools is clouded with confusion and uncertainty as a looming teachers’ strike threatens to disrupt teaching and learning.
The strike is scheduled just hours before the schools are set to reopen, despite efforts by the Ministry of Education to ensure a smooth start to the third term.
The Ministry announced that it had disbursed significant funds to schools, with Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi confirming the release of Sh21.8 billion in preparation for the term’s commencement.
According to Migosi, the allocated funds include Sh14.1 billion for free day schools, Sh6.1 billion for free junior secondary education, and Sh1.6 billion for free primary education.
He expressed optimism that the timely release of capitation funds would ensure a seamless resumption of school activities, maintaining that the school reopening schedules remain unchanged.
Unions Persist in Strike Plans
Despite these preparations, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) are steadfast in their strike plans.
Akelo Misori, Kuppet’s Secretary General, stated that the union’s national executive board had resolved to proceed with the strike, encouraging members to participate fully in the action to demand their labor rights.
The strike plans persist despite interventions from President Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
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The TSC announced the release of Sh13 billion to fully implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), one of the unions’ core demands.
However, other demands remain unmet, including the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers to permanent positions, the promotion of 130,000 stagnated teachers, and the recruitment of 20,000 new teachers for junior secondary schools.
The unions are also pushing for the immediate remittance of all third-party deductions and a commitment to start discussions on a new CBA.
Misori emphasized the importance of unity among teachers during the strike. The union’s national governing council, its highest decision-making body, is scheduled to meet on Sunday, August 25, to strategize and mobilize support for the strike.
Meanwhile, Knut’s national executive council had its special meeting postponed to today, adding to the anxiety among parents and learners.
Impact on School Operations and Final Examinations
The strike’s potential impact is significant, particularly given the short duration of the third term. Stakeholders fear that lesson cuts could disrupt preparations for the final examinations.
The National Parents Association, represented by Chairman Silas Obuhatsa, revealed that some schools had already requested parents to contribute to remedial and tuition programs during the strike.
These programs, according to Obuhatsa, are crucial for candidates with only nine weeks left before their national examinations.
He also noted that in schools where he interacted with parents, it was reported that Board of Management (BoM) and non-unionized teachers would be tasked with covering for the striking teachers.
Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu acknowledged that this would increase the pressure and workload for these teachers.
Private Schools Remain Unaffected
In contrast, private schools are expected to operate as usual, with teaching and learning set to commence tomorrow. Charles Ochome, the Kenya Private Schools Association chairman, clarified that these institutions function independently of government-run schools and thus remain unaffected by the strike.
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Attention now turns to Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Alfred Mutua (Labour), and Julius Migosi (Education), who have been directed by President Ruto to engage with the unions and address their concerns.
Anxiety Over School Reopening as Teachers Strike Begins Tomorrow
