KUPPET Urge Govt to Address Teachers’ Concerns as Nationwide Strike Commences
Post-primary school teachers across Kenya initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, following the government’s failure to address their longstanding grievances. The strike, which started on the first day of the third term, saw teachers abstaining from classrooms and taking to the streets in protest.
Members of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) followed through on their threat to strike as the clock struck midnight.
The union is demanding that the government address their concerns before they return to work. Teachers from various regions, including Busia, Baringo, Machakos, and Meru, have joined the protest, ensuring that no learning activities are taking place.
Key Demands
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) failed to respond to the ten specific demands outlined in the union’s strike notice earlier this month, triggering the strike. The key demands include:
- Implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Promotion of teachers.
- Permanent absorption of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
- Reinstatement of their medical cover.
The delay in payments related to the teachers’ medical scheme raised a significant concern. Kimathi underscored that these delays were preventing teachers from accessing hospital services, posing a significant problem for the medical service provider, Minet.
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Despite the government’s argument that these issues should not be the basis for the strike, KUPPET leaders, including Nyamira Branch Secretary-General Lewis Nyakweba and Nyeri Branch Executive Secretary Francis Wanjohi, have resolved to stand firm until their demands are met.
The union urged the government to address their pressing concerns, highlighting a divide between the two main teachers’ unions.
The protest by Kuppet occurred despite the Kenya Union of Teachers (KNUT) retracting its strike notice the previous day, leading to a noticeable split between the two major teachers’ unions.
Government Response
Julius Ogwambo Migos, Education Cabinet Secretary, stated that the Teachers Service Commission is already addressing administrative concerns about medical cover, career progression guidelines, and promotions.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Belio Kipsang, urged teachers to return to schools, emphasizing that the government has addressed most of their grievances.
The Ministry of Education highlighted the importance of the third term, particularly for high school students preparing for national assessments and examinations.
The Ministry is urging striking teachers to reconsider their actions as the term is crucial for learners. Teachers are adamant that they will not resume teaching until they have resolved all their grievances, despite the disbursement of capitation funds to schools.
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The union’s national leadership engaged in a day-long meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Labour in an attempt to resolve the issues.
However, the meeting ended in a deadlock over the teachers’ medical cover and the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers. In a continued effort to reach a resolution, the Ministry of Education expects to meet with the union again between Tuesday and Wednesday.
KUPPET Urge Govt to Address Teachers’ Concerns as Nationwide Strike Commences
