KUPPET Strike Exposes Deep Union Divisions as Leadership Convenes Crucial Meeting
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has organized a crucial meeting of its National Governing Council (NGC) for Sunday, September 1, to assess the progress of their ongoing strike.
This meeting is intended to evaluate the impact of the first week of the strike and determine the union’s next steps. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has maintained a firm stance, insisting that the union must call off the strike before any negotiations can occur.
Kuppet’s Secretary-General, Akelo Misori, extended invitations to all NGC members, notifying them that the meeting would take place at Kasarani Sports View Hotel, Nairobi, starting at 9:00 am. The primary agenda for the meeting will be to review the first week of the strike.
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There are concerns among national officials that branch officials, collaborating with some members of the National Executive Board (NEB), may oppose any decision to end the strike before their demands are fully addressed.
Internal Tensions and Political Undercurrents
Political tensions within the union have emerged, with younger grassroots officials potentially challenging the top leadership at the upcoming annual delegates conference (ADC) in December.
The national leaders, many of whom are over the retirement age of 60, are keen on extending their tenure to 65, a move that has faced opposition. A member of the NGC revealed that NEB members are wary of upsetting branch officials and teachers, who could influence their future positions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos, along with TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia, urged Kuppet officials to end the strike, claiming the issues raised had been addressed. However, the union remains firm on several key demands.
These include the permanent and pensionable employment of 46,000 intern teachers at a cost of Sh18.5 billion, the implementation of the second phase of the 2025–29 collective bargaining agreement, costing Sh13.3 billion, and the resolution of challenges related to comprehensive medical coverage.
The government has offered Sh11 billion instead of the Sh17 billion initially requested. Additionally, Kuppet is pushing for the promotion of 130,000 teachers who passed interviews last year. The TSC responded by extending internships for the 46,000 teachers, stating it was preparing to hire them permanently.
Grassroots Support and Ongoing Strike
The union’s grassroots officials, including the 47 branch executive secretaries, remain united in their stance to continue the strike until all demands are met. Charles Ngeno, Kuppet Narok branch executive secretary, expressed the determination of teachers to persist with the strike, bolstered by support from stakeholders such as the Central Organisation of Trade Unions.
The grassroots officials, supported by teachers nationwide, are adamant about not backing down.
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Vihiga branch executive secretary, Sabala Inyeni, indicated that parents might join the strike if it is not called off, as they seek assurance regarding their children’s safety and education during the third and final term of the school year.
Despite the pressures, Akelo Misori emphasized that the decision to end the strike rests solely with the NGC, not with him.
KUPPET Strike Exposes Deep Union Divisions as Leadership Convenes Crucial Meeting
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