Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO, Nancy Macharia, to engage in meaningful dialogue with striking teachers to resolve the stalemate that has disrupted learning in secondary schools across Kenya. Khalwale’s call comes on the heels of an announcement by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, stating that the government has allocated funds to hire Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on a permanent basis and implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
In his statement, Khalwale welcomed the Education Cabinet Secretary’s declaration that the government has released Ksh18.7 billion for the hiring of intern teachers and Ksh13.5 billion for implementing the CBA, which includes a salary increment for teachers. He emphasized the importance of dialogue between the TSC and the striking teachers to restore normalcy in schools.
“Now that the CS for Education, Julius Ogamba, has announced the release of Ksh18.7 billion and Ksh13.5 billion for hiring intern teachers and for the implementation of the CBA on salary increment for teachers respectively, we urge Nancy Macharia to swallow her pride and lead the TSC to sit with the striking teachers to work on an immediate return to work formula,” Khalwale stated.
His comments come at a critical juncture, as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) continues its industrial action. KUPPET, which represents secondary school teachers, insists that the strike will persist until their demands for the hiring of intern teachers and full implementation of the CBA are met. The strike has temporarily disrupted academic activities, with both teachers and students caught in the crossfire.
Government Efforts to Resolve the Stalemate
The Education Ministry’s announcement of new funding marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns raised by the teachers. The allocation of Ksh18.7 billion for hiring intern teachers is expected to alleviate the shortage of educators in JSS, while the additional Ksh13.5 billion is intended to ensure the full implementation of the salary increments outlined in the 2021-2025 CBA.
Khalwale’s appeal to the TSC aligns with the government’s broader efforts to find a resolution to the strike. His statement underscores the urgency of resolving the dispute to prevent further disruption of learning in secondary schools. Khalwale’s call for engagement reflects a growing sentiment among education stakeholders that negotiation is the key to ending the impasse.
Union Responses to Government and TSC Actions
While KUPPET remains firm in its stance, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), which represents primarily primary school teachers, has taken a more conciliatory approach. KNUT recently called off its planned strike, citing the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns. This decision was viewed as a positive gesture, demonstrating goodwill on the part of the government and the TSC.
Despite this, both unions have maintained certain demands. They are calling for the government to permanently employ at least 46,000 intern teachers and promote 132,000 teachers to higher grades. Additionally, they insist that the TSC remit teachers’ deductions and implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA. These demands reflect a broader push for improved working conditions and fair compensation for teachers across the country.
Finding a Path to Resolution
The ongoing negotiations present an opportunity for all parties involved to find an amicable solution. With funds now allocated for key areas such as teacher hiring and salary increments, there is renewed hope that the dispute can be resolved through dialogue and compromise. However, the success of these efforts will largely depend on the willingness of both the TSC and the unions to engage in constructive discussions and make concessions where necessary.
Khalwale’s intervention highlights the urgent need for resolution and the crucial role of the TSC in facilitating dialogue with the striking teachers. As the government continues to allocate resources to address the teachers’ grievances, it remains to be seen whether a swift and satisfactory agreement can be reached to bring an end to the strike and restore normalcy in Kenya’s secondary schools.
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