Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Governing Council (NGC) has endorsed a nationwide teachers’ strike. This decision comes after the government failed to meet the demands presented by the union. The strike, set to begin on August 26, 2024, aims to address critical issues affecting the teaching profession in Kenya.
Background of the Strike
The KUPPET NGC, the top decision-making body of the union, comprises the National Executive Board members and all the branch executive secretaries. This collective, representing thousands of teachers across the nation, met to deliberate on the pressing issues facing educators. After extensive discussions and consultations, the council resolved to take industrial action against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government.
The union’s demands are clear and specific: the immediate implementation of phase two of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the confirmation of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns, the employment of 20,000 new JSS teachers, and the immediate disbursement of overdue funds for the teachers’ medical scheme. These demands, KUPPET argues, are essential to ensure the welfare and rights of teachers in Kenya.
Statements from KUPPET Leadership
Joseph Abincha, the KUPPET Kisii branch Executive Secretary, addressed the union members, stating, “After exhaustive deliberations, consultations, and careful considerations, the National Governing Council of our union has unanimously resolved to take industrial action against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government.” He emphasized that this decision reflects the mounting frustrations over persistent issues that have allegedly been neglected by the TSC and the government.
Abincha further elaborated on the reasons behind the decision, highlighting the continuous neglect, broken promises, and the blatant disregard for the rights and needs of teachers. “This decision was not taken lightly. It is the culmination of continuous neglect, broken promises, and the blatant disregard for the rights and needs of our members—those who dedicate their lives to nurturing the future of this country,” he stated.
Unresolved Grievances
The grievances leading to the strike are not new. Teachers across Kenya have been grappling with persistent delays in payments, despite the rising cost of living. The promises made in the CBA have remained unmet, further exacerbating the situation. Abincha pointed out that many teachers are stuck in their current positions with no clear prospects for career advancement, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within the profession.
The failure to confirm the 46,000 JSS interns and the lack of employment opportunities for 20,000 new JSS teachers have only added to the teachers’ woes. These issues have created a sense of uncertainty and frustration among educators, who feel that their concerns are being ignored by the authorities.
The Path Forward
With the strike set to commence on August 26, 2024, KUPPET has called on the government and the TSC to address their demands promptly. The union’s leadership has expressed hope that the impending industrial action will serve as a wake-up call to the authorities, urging them to prioritize the needs and rights of teachers.
As the strike date approaches, the education sector in Kenya faces a critical juncture. The government and the TSC must engage in meaningful dialogue with KUPPET to find a resolution to the ongoing issues. Failure to do so could lead to significant disruptions in the education system, affecting not only teachers but also the students they serve.
In conclusion, the upcoming teachers’ strike endorsed by the KUPPET National Governing Council reflects the deep-seated challenges facing the education sector in Kenya. As teachers prepare to take a stand for their rights and welfare, the onus is on the government and the TSC to address their grievances and ensure a fair and equitable resolution.
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