MP Calls for Immediate Implementation of Teachers’ CBA to Avoid Strike
Luanda MP Dick Maungu has called on the government to promptly implement the teachers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to prevent a potential strike that could disrupt education across the country.
The CBA, agreed upon between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and various teachers’ unions, promised a salary increment of up to 9.5 percent starting from July 1 of the previous year.
The CBA was signed by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET).
Maungu emphasized the need for the government to engage with teachers to establish a clear roadmap for the full implementation of the agreement.
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He expressed concerns that failure to do so would result in a strike that would severely disrupt learning.
The opposition, according to Maungu, would advocate for the immediate adoption of the 2021-2025 CBA, ensuring that teachers’ rights are upheld and education continues smoothly.
Statements and Developments
Speaking at a constituency Education Day event on Friday, which was also attended by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Maungu reiterated that the opposition would not remain idle while teachers suffer and education is interrupted. He assured that they would fight to ensure the full implementation of the CBA.
Meanwhile, KUPPET announced a nationwide strike set for the following month, aiming to pressure the government for the complete execution of the CBA.
The union’s demands include the employment of 20,000 new teachers and the conversion of 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable positions.
Bungoma County KUPPET Chairman David Barasa urged the government to honor its commitments to the education sector, criticizing the use of the Finance Bill as a reason for delays.
He warned that if the government fails to meet their demands by September, the education sector should prepare for a total shutdown.
Barasa also highlighted the issue of delayed capitation disbursement to schools and called for an increase in school fees, following the Kenya Kwanza regime’s reduction of capitation from Sh 22,244 to Sh 17,000 per student.
Furthermore, Barasa condemned the government’s decision to eliminate the Edu Afya program, which he claimed had negatively impacted schools’ ability to care for sick students.
He stressed that the Edu Afya program was vital for student health and that its removal had left school principals struggling to manage health issues among students.
Teacher Shortages and CBC Implementation Challenges
Barasa also raised concerns about the shortage of teachers in public schools, stating that this was hindering the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
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He warned that if this issue is not addressed, it could jeopardize the future of students, urging all parents to support the teachers’ cause.
Barasa concluded by affirming that the strike would commence in September if their demands are not met, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate government action.
MP Calls for Immediate Implementation of Teachers’ CBA to Avoid Strike
