Government Urges Kuppet to End Strike, Citing Critical School Term
The government has urged the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) to follow the example set by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and cease their ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on Monday.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the importance of uninterrupted school operations, particularly in this term as students prepare for national assessments and exams.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi has reassured the public of the government’s dedication to improving teachers’ working conditions and addressing their concerns. He emphasized that the government has allocated the necessary resources to meet these needs.
Call to Reconsider Strike
He mentioned that the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) implementation and teacher preparation for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) have already received funding.
“The Government has demonstrated goodwill and readiness to address all the issues raised. We therefore see no reason for confrontation,” he added.
Ogamba highlighted that the government has prioritized teachers despite challenging economic conditions. To ensure smooth school operations, he mentioned the disbursement of Sh28.1 billion for capitation to primary, junior, and secondary schools for the third term.
Additionally, resources have been provided for the retraining of teachers to adequately prepare them for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
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The Education CS commended the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) for calling off their planned strike. This move, Migosi stated, was crucial in allowing schools to reopen as scheduled, ensuring minimal disruption to the education calendar.
KNUT
Knut decided to withdraw from the strike after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) demonstrated goodwill by promoting 51,232 teachers, a process that is still ongoing.
Ogamba praised Knut for their decision, stating that it allowed for the reopening of schools and demonstrated selfless patriotism by understanding the nation’s needs.
Ogamba acknowledged the essential role that teachers play in the education system and stated that the government cannot take their contributions for granted.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the terms and conditions of service for teachers, emphasizing the allocation of resources for the implementation of the 2021–25 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Cabinet Secretary also pointed out that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is addressing other issues raised by the unions, including comprehensive medical coverage, career progression guidelines, and teacher promotions.
He urged Kuppet to reconsider their stance and call off the strike, stating that the government has shown goodwill and a readiness to resolve all the issues raised, making confrontation unnecessary.
KUPPET Demands
Kuppet’s demands include the full implementation of the second phase of the 2021–25 CBA, the promotion of 130,000 teachers, the permanent and pensionable employment of 46,000 junior secondary school (JSS) teachers, and the remittance of loan and statutory deductions to relevant agencies.
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Despite Knut calling off their strike, Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori stated that the strike will continue until all grievances are addressed, with many classrooms across the country remaining empty as teachers participated in peaceful demonstrations.
Despite Knut’s withdrawal from the strike, Kuppet’s leadership remained resolute, as 68 Kuppet National Executive Council members ratified the decision to proceed with the strike, insisting that it covers all teachers in the public service until their demands are fully met.
Government Urges Kuppet to End Strike, Citing Critical School Term
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