The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has firmly refuted claims that it is in collusion with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), following its controversial decision to advise teachers to end their nationwide strike. KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu addressed these concerns during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kyuso teachers in Kyuso town, Mwingi North, on Saturday.
The union’s decision to suspend the strike, initially launched to address several pressing issues, has been met with mixed reactions from the teaching fraternity. According to Oyuu, the decision to halt the strike was not a result of any undue influence or favoritism towards TSC but was taken in the best interest of the teachers and the educational system at large.
“Our decision to advise teachers to suspend the strike was made after thorough deliberation and with the best interest of our members in mind,” Oyuu stated. “We are not working to please anyone but to address teachers’ issues in a professional and effective manner. Our commitment is to safeguard the interests of the teaching workforce and ensure that their concerns are addressed.”
The strike, which began with a strong show of solidarity from teachers across the country, sought to address several critical issues, including the permanent employment of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, the promotion of 130,000 teachers, and the immediate implementation of the second phase of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed between TSC and KNUT. Additionally, the union sought the immediate remittance of third-party deductions owed to various organizations.
KNUT’s decision to suspend the strike on August 25 was reportedly influenced by ongoing negotiations and the perceived goodwill of both the government and TSC in addressing the union’s demands. Despite some reservations about the steps taken by the government and TSC, KNUT expressed a belief that there was a genuine commitment to meeting the union’s demands.
In its discussions with TSC, KNUT noted that the employer had taken several steps towards meeting the union’s demands. TSC had reportedly promoted 51,232 teachers, remitted third-party deductions, and was in the process of implementing the amended CBA. These steps were seen as positive, though not fully satisfying all the demands of the union.
However, while KNUT has decided to call off the strike, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) remains resolute in its stance. KUPPET members have continued to demonstrate for improved healthcare, promotions, and the confirmation of JSS teachers to permanent and pensionable positions. KUPPET’s demands echo some of the concerns addressed by KNUT, highlighting ongoing tensions within the teaching profession.
Oyuu responded to KUPPET’s ongoing demonstrations by emphasizing that many of the issues raised by KUPPET had already been addressed or were in the process of being resolved. “Ninety percent of the demands being made by KUPPET teachers have been addressed,” Oyuu stated. “We are working towards confirming JSS teachers as permanent employees, and this process will be completed in the coming months.”
The current situation reflects the complexities of addressing labor disputes within the education sector, where various unions and stakeholders have divergent views on how best to address teachers’ concerns. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on finding a balanced approach that satisfies the needs of teachers while ensuring the stability and quality of education.
KNUT’s refutation of collusion claims and its decision to suspend the strike underscore its commitment to engaging constructively with TSC and the government. The union’s actions suggest a strategic approach aimed at addressing teachers’ issues while navigating the challenges of labor negotiations and maintaining professional standards within the education sector.
