As the new academic term approaches, Kenya’s education sector stands on the brink of significant disruption. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has issued a fresh seven-day strike notice in response to unresolved grievances with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Labour. This action threatens to bring a halt to educational activities if the issues are not addressed promptly.
On August 16, 2024, Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu announced the strike notice, expressing frustration over the lack of meaningful responses from both the TSC and the Ministry of Labour. Oyuu revealed that despite multiple attempts to engage with the authorities, no effective measures have been taken to resolve the union’s concerns. “Today, we have issued a strike notice. Teachers will withdraw their labor, and schools will remain closed until this matter is resolved. We have communicated with the employer several times, but there has been no response,” Oyuu stated during a media briefing following a meeting of the Knut National Executive Council (NEC).
The decision to issue a strike notice is not taken lightly and comes after ongoing negotiations and attempts to reach a resolution. On August 7, 2024, Knut and its sister union, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), outlined six critical issues they wanted addressed by the TSC. The unions had given a deadline of August 26, 2024, for these issues to be resolved, failing which they would proceed with a strike.
Among the primary demands is the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This agreement, which was signed in June 2021 and later amended by an addendum in August 2023, represents a legally binding contract that the unions argue is not being honored. The second phase of this addendum, effective from July 1, 2024, includes adjustments to teachers’ basic salaries and allowances, which the TSC has reportedly failed to implement.
Another key demand is the recruitment of 20,000 new teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. This is seen as crucial to addressing the teacher shortage and improving the quality of education across the country. Additionally, Knut is pushing for the conversion of Junior Secondary School teachers to permanent positions, which would provide job security and professional stability for this vital segment of the education workforce.
Knut’s grievances also include accusations against the TSC for breaching the existing agreements by not implementing the agreed-upon salary adjustments and allowances. The union asserts that these agreements have full legal force, having been registered at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in accordance with the Industrial Charter, the Constitution of Kenya, and applicable laws.
In a bid to avert the impending strike, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua held talks with officials from Knut’s National Steering Council on August 13, 2024. The discussions were aimed at finding a resolution to the issues and preventing a nationwide strike that could significantly impact students and the broader education sector. Despite these efforts, no concrete solutions have been reached as of the latest updates.
The potential strike poses a serious challenge for Kenya’s education system, with far-reaching implications for students, parents, and educational institutions. The prospect of schools remaining closed due to industrial action underscores the urgency of addressing the disputes between Knut and the TSC. As the seven-day deadline approaches, there is heightened anticipation and concern regarding whether a compromise can be achieved or if the planned strike will proceed.
In conclusion, the situation demands immediate and effective intervention from all parties involved to prevent disruption to the educational process. The outcome of ongoing negotiations will be critical in determining the future of Kenya’s education sector and ensuring that students can continue their learning without interruption.
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