Education CS Migos silent as Teachers, Lectures Plan Nationwide Strike
The newly appointed Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos, is under scrutiny as a crisis brews in the education sector. Two major teachers’ unions have threatened a nationwide strike, coinciding with the start of the third school term in one week.
University staff are also considering a strike in September, escalating tensions within the sector. Despite the mounting pressure, Migos has remained silent, while the unions continue to push their demands.
On Thursday, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) issued a seven-day strike notice, which could disrupt the third term of the academic year, scheduled to begin on August 26.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is expected to follow suit by formally issuing its strike notice on Friday.
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The unions have presented their grievances, including those related to Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, salary increases as stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and the employment of additional teachers.
Grievances and Demands
In a petition to Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, KUPPET and KNUT outlined several critical issues. These include:
- The plight of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers
- The need for salary increments as outlined in the CBA
- The urgent employment of more teachers to address the shortages in JSS
These demands were jointly presented by the unions last week, emphasizing the necessity of resolving these issues before teachers return to classrooms.
The unions’ list of grievances also includes calls for improved working conditions and better implementation of the CBA.
Potential Impact on the Education Calendar
The looming strike poses a significant threat to the academic calendar, marking the third major disruption to schools this year, following recent floods and anti-government protests.
If the strike proceeds, it could have severe implications for students preparing for national exams and assessments.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori stated that the union has given the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) a seven-day ultimatum to address the raised concerns.
Misori emphasized that the newly appointed CS, Migos, must take responsibility and work with TSC to resolve these issues.
Misori highlighted the union’s demands, including the immediate permanent employment of intern teachers starting July 1, 2024, and the recruitment of 20,000 teachers to alleviate the significant JSS teacher shortage.
Additionally, the union is advocating for postgraduate allowances for teachers holding Master’s and PhD degrees, irrespective of their positions.
University Staff Join the Fray
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) also issued a strike notice on Wednesday, expressing concerns about job security and working conditions.
With both schools and universities set to reopen in the coming weeks, Migos must urgently address these grievances to prevent widespread shutdowns across the education sector.
The challenge for Migos lies in balancing the unions’ demands with the government’s financial limitations and the educational needs of students.
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Conclusion
As the reopening dates for schools and universities approach, Migos faces his first significant test as Education Cabinet Secretary.
The unions’ strike threats could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for students on the verge of national examinations.
The unions have also criticized the TSC for failing to implement agreed-upon salary increases under the 2021-2025 CBA.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding teachers’ medical coverage, stalled CBA negotiations, and the ongoing teacher shortages in JSS.
Education CS Migos silent as Teachers, Lectures Plan Nationwide Strike
