KNUT Rejects Claims of Aligning with TSC.
The Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Collins Oyuu, has dismissed allegations that the union is collaborating with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
This statement came after KNUT advised its members to avoid participating in the ongoing nationwide teachers’ strike and instead urged them to engage with the government to find a solution.
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kyuso teachers in Kyuso town, Mwingi North, held on Saturday, Oyuu clarified that the union’s actions are not driven by a desire to please any entity but are focused on doing what is right.
He emphasized that the union remains committed to addressing teachers’ issues directly with their employer, underscoring the importance of maintaining a professional and protected workforce.
Suspension of the Teachers’ Strike
KNUT suspended the strike on August 25, a decision that was well-received by its members. The union stated that the decision was made after thoroughly considering all available options, including the developments in the ongoing discussions with the government, TSC, and the teachers’ role in advancing the education agenda.
Follow Teachers Updates Page On Facebook
Despite some reservations about the measures taken by the government and TSC, KNUT expressed optimism that the authorities would eventually meet the union’s demands.
Among the primary demands made by KNUT are:
- Permanent employment of 46,000 Junior Secondary School teachers
- Promotion of 130,000 teachers
- Immediate implementation of the second phase of the 2021/2025 amended CBA
- Timely remittance of third-party deductions
In response to these demands, KNUT reported that TSC had already promoted 51,232 teachers, remitted third-party deductions, and was in the process of implementing the amended Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“On a serious note we shall continue addressing issues of teachers squarely with the employer. We must safeguard the position of the teachers and we must have a working force that is very professional,” he said.
KUPPET’s Stance and Ongoing Demonstrations
Meanwhile, teachers affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have continued their protests, demanding better healthcare, promotions, and the confirmation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers as permanent and pensionable employees, among other issues.
ALSO READ: KUPPET Decries 30-Year Stagnation of Teachers in Job Groups
Oyuu commented on the situation, noting that 90% of KUPPET’s demands have already been addressed. He assured that the confirmation of JSS teachers to permanent positions would be completed within a few months.
In summary, while KNUT remains optimistic about the progress made, KUPPET continues to push for further action, highlighting ongoing challenges in the education sector.
KNUT Rejects Claims of Aligning with TSC.
Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].