As schools prepare to reopen for the third term on August 26, 2024, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised pressing issues that need to be addressed by the government. The union’s chairman, Omboko Milemba, has emphasized the urgency of enforcing the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and addressing several key grievances before the start of the term.
1. Enforcing the 2021-2025 CBA
At the heart of KUPPET’s demands is the full implementation of the 2021-2025 CBA, which covers a wide range of issues, including salaries, allowances, and promotions. The agreement promises a salary increase ranging from 2.5% to 9% and adjustments in housing allowances. Milemba highlighted that while the CBA is designed to compensate teachers after necessary deductions, its enforcement has faced significant delays. He criticized the lack of urgency in addressing these issues, noting that prolonged inaction has led teachers to exhaust all avenues for resolution.
Milemba also expressed frustration over what he perceived as a departure from previous administrations’ practices. He recounted that past presidents, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, all made significant contributions to teachers’ welfare, unlike the current administration, which he claims has sought to extract resources from teachers’ pockets. He emphasized that the current CBA was a compromise, falling short of the teachers’ expectations but was still essential for their compensation.
2. Stagnation and Promotion Issues
Another significant concern raised by KUPPET is the stagnation of over 130,000 teachers in their job groups for more than a decade. This stagnation has hindered career advancement and development within the sector. Milemba called for regular promotions to senior positions, including deputy headteachers and school heads, to foster career growth and maintain motivation among teachers.
3. Contractual Employment and Staffing Gaps
The issue of contract-based employment also features prominently in KUPPET’s demands. With 46,000 teachers currently on contract, the union is pushing for their conversion to permanent and pensionable terms. This move would provide job security and ensure that these teachers can fully benefit from retirement plans. Additionally, Milemba highlighted the need for the recruitment of 20,000 new teachers to address the staffing gaps in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
The government’s attempt to raise funds for JSS teachers through the Finance Bill 2024 faced public backlash and was subsequently repealed. President William Ruto has pledged to find alternative funding solutions, but the lack of clarity on these alternatives continues to be a point of concern for the union.
4. Medical Cover Concerns
The issue of medical cover for teachers is another critical area of concern. KUPPET has raised alarms about the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) plan to revoke the teachers’ medical cover from December 1, 2024. The medical cover, which operates on a three-year framework, is set to enter its third phase, costing Ksh.20.6 billion. Milemba stressed that any budget cuts due to President Ruto’s austerity measures should not adversely affect this essential aspect of teachers’ welfare.
Looking Ahead
As the planned teachers’ strike approaches, KUPPET’s demands underscore the critical need for the government to address these pressing issues. With the start of the third term just around the corner, the resolution of these concerns will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and productive academic term. The government’s response to these demands will be closely watched, as it will not only impact the current educational environment but also set a precedent for the future handling of teachers’ issues in Kenya.
