The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is showing no signs of backing down, as their strike enters its third day. Led by branch executive secretary Elijah Maiyo, the teachers are firmly holding their ground despite a court order mandating an end to the work stoppage.
The strike, which began on Monday, August 26, has seen teachers across the region cease work, demanding that the government address their grievances. The dispute has escalated as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) sought and obtained court orders to suspend the strike. However, KUPPET members in Eldoret have been resolute, continuing their demonstrations and refusing to resume their duties until their demands are met.
Elijah Maiyo, the driving force behind the strike, has publicly declared that the union members will not be intimidated. In a statement, Maiyo emphasized that their strike is both lawful and necessary. “Our strike is not only justified but also legally sanctioned. We are committed to seeing this through to ensure that our demands for fair treatment and better working conditions are addressed,” Maiyo asserted.
The teachers’ demands are multifaceted, including calls for increased salaries, improved working conditions, and better benefits. They argue that these issues have been longstanding and have not been adequately addressed by the government. The strike is a means to apply pressure on the authorities to take immediate action.
Despite the court’s intervention, the union’s stance remains unchanged. Maiyo has criticized the court orders as a tactic to undermine their efforts. “The court orders are an attempt to silence our voices and undermine our right to fight for better working conditions. We will continue with our strike until the government meets our demands,” Maiyo stated.
The ongoing strike has had a significant impact on the education sector in Eldoret. Schools have been left unattended, with students missing out on critical learning time. Parents and students have expressed frustration over the disruption, but many are sympathetic to the teachers’ cause, acknowledging that their demands are rooted in genuine concerns.
The government, for its part, has urged the teachers to return to work and has promised to engage in dialogue to address the issues raised. However, the union remains skeptical of the government’s commitment, citing previous instances where promises were made but not fulfilled.
In response to the escalating situation, various stakeholders have called for a resolution to the conflict. Education experts and community leaders have stressed the importance of finding a compromise that will allow students to return to their classrooms while addressing the teachers’ concerns.
The strike in Eldoret highlights broader issues facing the education sector in Kenya, including the need for systemic reforms to address the challenges faced by educators. As the stand-off continues, the focus remains on finding a resolution that will balance the needs of the teachers with the educational requirements of the students.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this dispute. The teachers’ persistence and the government’s response will likely set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future. For now, the situation in Eldoret remains tense, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
