The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (KUPPET) Bungoma branch has sharply criticized the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) for its recent decision to call off a nationwide teachers’ strike. The move, according to KUPPET officials, significantly undermines the impact of the industrial action and dilutes the pressure on the government to address pressing issues affecting educators.
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, the Bungoma High School grounds became the backdrop for a heated press conference led by KUPPET’s Executive Secretary Augustine Kundu and Chairman David Barasa. The two leaders, flanked by hundreds of protesting teachers, voiced their frustration and disappointment with KNUT’s abrupt strike suspension. Their sentiments echoed the broader grievances of the teaching fraternity across the nation, who have been vocal about their demands for better working conditions and job security.
The controversy surrounding KNUT’s decision to end the strike has heightened tensions among educators. KUPPET, which continues to advocate for the industrial action, argues that KNUT’s move has significantly weakened the collective bargaining power of teachers. “By calling off the strike prematurely, KNUT has compromised our united front and reduced the leverage we had to force the government into meaningful negotiations,” said Kundu.
At the heart of KUPPET’s protest are demands for the government to expedite the employment of 26,000 Junior Secondary School teachers on a permanent basis. This demand is rooted in the need for job security and stability in the education sector, which has been marked by uncertainty and temporary contracts. The union argues that permanent employment would not only provide financial security for teachers but also improve the overall quality of education by reducing turnover and fostering a more committed workforce.
Kundu and Barasa were particularly vocal about their frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. They accused the administration of mismanaging funds and failing to address the genuine concerns of the teaching profession. “The government has sufficient resources to address our demands, but corruption scandals have siphoned off much of the money that should be used to improve our education system,” Kundu asserted. This criticism is not new but reflects the broader discontent with perceived inefficiencies and corruption within the public sector.
In a dramatic escalation of their protest, KUPPET has urged parents across Bungoma and beyond not to send their children to school until their demands are met. “We are calling on parents to stand with us in this fight for justice. Our children’s education cannot continue to be compromised by a government that fails to prioritize the needs of teachers,” Chairman David Barasa urged. The call to action underscores the critical role that teachers play in the education system and the direct impact that their grievances have on students and their families.
The ongoing strike and protests have brought to light the significant challenges facing the Kenyan education system, including underfunding, inadequate teacher remuneration, and the need for systemic reforms. KUPPET’s continued resistance and activism highlight the broader issues of teacher welfare and the importance of ensuring that education policies are both fair and effective.
As the situation develops, the tension between KUPPET and KNUT remains palpable, with each union navigating its strategy for addressing the government’s response. For now, KUPPET’s position is clear: they will continue their protest and pressure until their demands are met, and they remain steadfast in their commitment to improving the conditions for teachers and, by extension, the quality of education in Kenya.
The government’s response to these demands will be crucial in determining the future of the ongoing industrial action and the overall stability of Kenya’s education sector. The coming days will likely reveal whether the administration will heed the calls for reform or if further confrontations are on the horizon.
