The Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), Francis Atwoli, has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to swiftly address the demands of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet). This comes amid a brewing crisis in Kenya’s education sector, following the nationwide strike declared by Kuppet members after their colleagues from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) called off their own strike earlier this week.
On Wednesday, Atwoli accused the TSC of “bullying” Kuppet by refusing to sign a return-to-work formula, which he argues is crucial for ending the current impasse. He emphasized that the government had already agreed to meet the financial obligations necessary to address teachers’ grievances, and there was no justification for prolonging the disruption in schools. “The government has already accepted to pay, and there is no need for our children not to be in class,” said Atwoli during a press conference. “I’m appealing to TSC to ensure they are in touch with the Kuppet union today to sign a return-to-work formula. If they don’t, there might be victimization of those teachers who had organized the strike.”
Atwoli urged TSC to honor the recognition agreement between them and Kuppet, stressing that both parties need to avoid any form of intimidation or coercion. “They are in a marriage; there should be no bullying. TSC needs to humble itself and sign the agreement for a return to work,” he added.
Background and Strike Development
The strike by Kuppet members coincided with the reopening of schools nationwide, following the resolution of a similar industrial action by Knut members. On Sunday, Knut called off their strike after what they described as “goodwill” from TSC, including the promotion of 51,232 teachers, with further promotions still in process. Knut’s decision was lauded by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who noted that the move allowed schools to reopen smoothly.
“That decision was timely because it enabled the reopening of schools. I commend them for reading the mood of the nation and acting with selfless patriotism,” said Ogamba. He also announced that the government had disbursed Sh28.1 billion in capitation for primary, junior, and secondary schools for the third term, aimed at ensuring the smooth running of operations.
Despite this, Kuppet’s National Executive Council ratified a decision for their members to proceed with a strike, arguing that their issues had not been adequately addressed. Their demands include the full implementation of the second phase of their 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the promotion of 130,000 teachers, the absorption of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, and the remittance of loans and statutory deductions to relevant agencies.
Court Intervention and Low Turnout in Schools
In a twist of events, the High Court, through Justice James Rika of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, suspended the strike pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the TSC. The court order was issued on Tuesday, and schools have since reported a low turnout and empty classrooms as Kuppet members remain steadfast in their stance.
Despite the court order, Kuppet has remained firm, insisting that the strike is legitimate. “Kuppet wishes to inform members and all teachers at large that the strike starting from Monday covers all teachers in the public service,” stated Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori.
Calls for Resolution
Education CS Ogamba has called on Kuppet to reconsider their position, urging them to call off the strike in light of the government’s demonstrated goodwill. “I therefore call upon Kuppet to review their stance and to call off their strike. The government has shown readiness to address all the issues raised, so we see no reason for confrontation,” he said.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are now on the TSC and Kuppet to see if they can reach an agreement that will end the strike and restore normalcy to the education sector. The situation remains fluid, with both sides under pressure to negotiate a solution that puts the interests of Kenya’s students first.
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