KUPPET Tells Parents to Keep Children Home As Teachers Strike Continues
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has cautioned parents against sending their children to school during the ongoing teachers’ strike. The union emphasized that the strike remains in effect despite a court order temporarily halting it.
Akello Misori, the Secretary-General of Kuppet, stated that any parent choosing to send their child to school must take full responsibility for any potential consequences.
He also noted that while some schools are operating outside the usual timetable, it is the responsibility of parents to heed the union’s guidance, although principals are expected to manage the situation cautiously.
Kuppet reiterated that the strike would continue until a thorough evaluation of the situation is conducted, after which further decisions would be communicated to its members. For now, the union advises teachers to stay prepared and maintain the strike.
The High Court recently suspended the strike pending the resolution of a case filed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Misori mentioned that the union had been served with the court orders and that their legal team is seeking an interpretation of these orders.
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Until such interpretation is provided, the union’s position is that the strike remains active. Misori clarified that any resolution of the strike would only be addressed through a return-to-work formula.
TSC faces criticism.
The union also criticized the Teachers Service Commission for allegedly degrading the teaching profession by informalizing teachers’ employment. Misori questioned the commission’s responsibility for downgrading the teaching profession through such actions, given its established role in managing teachers.
He accused the TSC of disregarding the teaching profession, citing that teachers in Kenya are the only professionals who have remained in the same job group for over 25 years, which he described as highly unethical and indicative of an irresponsible commission.
Misori argued that the TSC’s failure to address the concerns of teachers demonstrates a clear lack of willingness to improve their working conditions.
“The commission has failed to pay attention to the very people who are the backbone of our education system. Why else would they ignore the fact that teachers have been in one job group for over 25 years?” he said.
Collective bargaining Agreement Violations
Misori also accused the TSC of failing to adhere to the principles outlined in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). He emphasized that one of the CBA’s key elements was that every school should have a principal.
However, he pointed out that over 4,000 principals are currently serving in acting capacities without formal appointments.
Initially, the commission had promised to offer these individuals permanent positions, but instead, they have been left in uncertainty.
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Misori expressed frustration that the TSC, which had been supported by unions, is now responding with orders rather than engaging in dialogue. He further criticized the TSC for not paying principals the special duty or acting allowances they are entitled to, which he said has destroyed teachers’ morale.
Misori emphasized that the unions are not here to preside over standoffs but to ensure their voices are heard. He questioned whether the TSC is treating teachers as professionals or merely as robots by controlling them through orders rather than meaningful engagement.
The union remains steadfast in its demand for fair treatment and adherence to agreements that protect teachers’ rights and interests.
KUPPET Tells Parents to Keep Children Home As Teachers Strike Continues
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