Schools’ Reopening at Risk as Teachers’ Unions and TSC Clash Over Demands
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has acknowledged that the Ministry of Education is currently grappling with a severe shortage of funds, hindering its ability to meet the various demands within the sector.
Migos has urged teachers’ unions to engage in dialogue and reconsider their planned strike.
Despite Migos’ plea, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) remain steadfast in their decision to proceed with the strike scheduled to begin on Monday.
The unions are protesting the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) failure to fully implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
With the strike deadline fast approaching, the government is under pressure to avert the disruption of the school term scheduled to commence on August 26.
Government’s Financial Constraints
As the deadline for the strike looms, Migos has further complicated the situation by revealing that the government currently lacks the necessary funds to implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA.
Migos emphasized the financial difficulties the government is facing and reiterated the call for more dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders.
“The government is experiencing a difficult financial moment… we have no funds to address all the issues facing this docket,” CS Migos said.
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Migos’ remarks stand in contrast to those made by TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia, who had earlier announced that Ksh.13 billion had been allocated for the implementation of phase 2 of the CBA.
Macharia had urged teachers to report to school on Monday, assuring them that the released funds would address their concerns.
Union Leaders’ Response
Despite Macharia’s assurances, KNUT and KUPPET have continued to prepare for the strike, citing the failure to reach an agreement with TSC.
On Thursday, representatives from KNUT’s Coastal branch completed their plans for the industrial action across six counties.
Dan Aloo, KNUT National Coordinator, stated that they would use all available platforms to mobilize their members to boycott classes starting Monday, August 26.
“We will use all platforms to mobilize our members to boycott lessons from Monday, August 26,” KNUT National Coordinator Dan Aloo noted.
KNUT regional officials have advised parents against sending their children to school next week. Jared Mariera, KNUT Kisii South Secretary, emphasized that the agreement with TSC must be fully implemented, warning parents that there will be no classes on Monday.
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Beatrice Mauti, KNUT Kisii South Chairperson, reiterated this message, advising children to stay home.
Officials from KUPPET have echoed similar sentiments, with KUPPET Laikipia Secretary Robert Miano stating that all teachers would down their tools on Monday after extensive talks failed to resolve the issues.
As the stalemate persists, both learners and parents are left in a state of uncertainty as they prepare for the upcoming school term.
Schools’ Reopening at Risk as Teachers’ Unions and TSC Clash Over Demands
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