Upcoming Wave of Strikes: Five Critical Sectors to Halt Operations in Kenya
Kenya is bracing for significant disruptions in the coming days as several sectors, including education, transport, and public service, have announced impending strikes. The collective industrial actions threaten to bring the country to a standstill and pose a significant challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration, which is already grappling with the aftermath of recent anti-government protests.
Teachers’ Strike Set to Begin
Teachers in both primary and secondary schools are preparing to commence a strike on Monday, coinciding with the reopening of schools for the third term. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (KUPPET) have instructed their members to stay away from classrooms starting next week.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the teachers’ unions were unable to reach an agreement on Wednesday, as the unions rejected the TSC’s offer.
The unions contended that the TSC did not fully address their demands, implying challenging times for students. By Friday, the unions steadfastly maintained their decision to strike, adamant that public schools would not facilitate learning unless all their demands were satisfied.
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Parents, through the National Parents Association, expressed their concerns about the impending strike. The association chairperson, Silas Obuhatsa, emphasized that the strike would severely disrupt learning, especially with students preparing for final exams.
He urged the teacher unions to take into account the plight of the students, many of whom have already experienced the effects of floods and protests.
Obuhatsa also urged the TSC to guarantee the return of teachers to classrooms next week, emphasizing that they have already received compensation and should not abandon students without guidance.
Civil Servants Threaten Shutdown
Government operations face potential paralysis as public servants threaten to strike unless the government implements an agreed-upon pay raise.
The enhanced pay, part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated with the government, was due to commence on July 1, 2024. However, the government has cited a lack of funds to effect the increase.
The Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) has declared that the implementation of the CBA’s second phase is non-negotiable. UKCS Secretary-General Tom Odege, who is also the Nyatike MP, warned that they would paralyze government operations if the state failed to honor its commitments.
Lecturers’ Strike and University Discontent
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has also announced plans for a national strike due to delays and non-payment of salaries. UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga revealed that lecturers would go on strike at the start of the new academic year in September, threatening to disrupt learning in public universities.
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Wesonga highlighted that universities had failed to remit statutory deductions, including loans and pensions, leading to financial strain on UASU members. Lending institutions have sued some members for loan defaults, a situation Wesonga described as disrespectful and embarrassing.
Matatu Operators Join the Fray
In addition to the strikes by teachers and civil servants, the Motorists Association of Kenya has called for a nationwide Matatu strike on Monday, August 26. The strike is expected to severely impact public transport, which serves over 90 percent of commuters across the country.
The association outlined five key issues affecting the Matatu sector, including the fuel levy, insurance, regulation of auctioneers and microfinance institutions, police and county harassment, and incompetency. They specifically opposed the government’s decision to increase the road maintenance levy from Sh18 to Sh25 per liter of fuel and demanded timely insurance payouts as per the law.
Student Protests Over New Funding Model
Meanwhile, the University of Nairobi Student Council has announced plans for a protest on September 2 in response to the government’s new university funding model.
Madzao Rocah, student president, rejected the new framework, which replaces the differentiated unit cost used to finance universities.
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The model, introduced by President William Ruto on May 3, aims to ensure that all eligible students in public universities and technical and vocational education institutions receive sufficient financial support through five distinct funding models.
Rocah urged students to participate in a massive demonstration on September 2 to voice their opposition, stating that education should not be treated as a commodity for profit.
Upcoming Wave of Strikes: Five Critical Sectors to Halt Operations in Kenya
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