The Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (KETHAWA) has thrown its weight behind the recent strike call by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), underscoring the need for the government to uphold its end of the bargain in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with teachers’ unions.
Wangonya Wangenye, the National Secretary of KETHAWA, has voiced strong support for KUPPET’s strike action, arguing that the government’s failure to implement the CBA constitutes a breach of trust and a disservice to educators. Wangenye emphasized that teachers, especially those working in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) areas, have endured significant challenges and deserve the promises made in the agreement to be fulfilled without further delay.
“We cannot have a regime that is only good at giving promises and lip service but falters when it comes to actual implementation,” Wangenye stated. “The Kenya Kwanza government must honor their part of the bargain and implement the CBA without altering even a comma of the agreement.” His comments reflect growing frustration among educators who feel that their contributions to the education sector, particularly in the most challenging environments, are not being adequately recognized or rewarded.
KETHAWA’s backing of the strike highlights the broader discontent within the teaching profession. Wangenye assured that the association will be at the forefront of the strike action, prepared to provide legal assistance to teachers who may encounter difficulties during the protest. This support from KETHAWA underscores the gravity of the situation and the solidarity among teachers’ unions in addressing the grievances they face.
Wangenye also criticized politicians for their perceived lack of empathy towards educators. “We have seen politicians showcasing their opulence and bragging about their wealth, but when it comes to teachers, they have to beg for even the smallest rights that are rightfully theirs,” he said. This criticism reflects a sentiment among educators that the government’s actions are inconsistent with the promises made during negotiations.
A key demand from KETHAWA and KUPPET is the immediate employment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. The association is calling for these teachers to be included in the current CBA and for the government to cease the continuous cycle of promises without concrete results. “The never-ending promises about JSS teachers’ confirmation should immediately come to an end, and real, tangible results should be seen,” Wangenye added.
The strike call comes as a result of ongoing frustrations over the implementation of the CBA, which is meant to address issues such as salary increments, working conditions, and other critical aspects affecting teachers. The CBA was intended to bring about significant improvements in the education sector, but delays and non-implementation have led to widespread dissatisfaction.
As the strike looms, the pressure mounts on the government to address these concerns and implement the agreed-upon terms. The backing from KETHAWA signifies a unified front among educators who are demanding that their needs and rights be prioritized.
In conclusion, KETHAWA’s support for the KUPPET strike reflects deep-seated frustration within the teaching community, particularly among those in ASAL and hardship areas. The call for immediate CBA implementation and the permanent employment of JSS teachers highlights the urgent need for the government to address these issues and demonstrate a commitment to valuing and supporting its educators.
