KUPPET Teachers in Machakos Protest Job Group Stagnation Under CPG
The Machakos branch of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially joined the ongoing national strike by post-primary school teachers. Branch officials emphasized their commitment to the strike, asserting its legality and encouraging full participation from their members.
Officials from the KUPPET Machakos branch emphasized that the strike enjoys legal protection. They cited Articles 37 and 41 of the 2010 Constitution and Clause 76(1) of the Labour Relations Act as the legal grounds for the strike.
The branch’s Secretary General, Musembi Katuku, reassured members that there was no need to fear, as the strike was within their legal rights.
Concerns over Career Progression
One of the central issues leading to the strike is the stagnation of teachers in one job group for over 15 years under the Carriers Progression Guideline (CPG).
Katuku called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to abandon the CPG and revert to the previous scheme of service, which allowed for more frequent promotions. He pointed out that because of the lack of promotions, many government schools in Machakos lack principals and deputy principals.
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Katuku also highlighted the failure to fully implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed for the 2021–2025 cycle. The government had completed the first phase of payments but not the second, due in July. Despite government assurances of payment, teachers have yet to receive the funds.
Demands for JSS Teachers’ Employment Terms
Another critical issue raised by the KUPPET officials was the employment terms of 46,000 junior secondary school (JSS) teachers.
The officials argued for the permanent and pensionable employment of these teachers, who are currently on a contract basis. They insisted on implementing this change before calling off the strike.
“Therefore, we are demanding that these teachers be promoted to occupy the positions. We had agreed that the government should fully implement the CBA signed in the 2021–25 cycle.
Katuku also voiced concerns about third-party deductions from teachers’ payslips, resulting in the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) listing many of them. This listing has made it difficult for teachers to access loans from financial institutions.
Machakos Teachers’ Resolve
Machakos County KUPPET Chairman, Benard Warui, affirmed that teachers in the county are resolute and ready to continue with the strike.
He emphasized that teachers in Machakos stand united with their counterparts across the country in demanding respect and fulfillment of their demands by the TSC, led by Nancy Macharia.
KUPPET Teachers in Machakos Protest Job Group Stagnation Under CPG
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