Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi has called on the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to reconsider its decision to strike, emphasizing the government’s readiness to address the concerns raised by the teaching fraternity. In a statement issued on Monday, Migosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ working conditions and ensuring the successful implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Migosi stressed that the government has already allocated the necessary resources to meet the terms of the CBA, which was designed to enhance the welfare of teachers across the country. “Resources have been provided for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement. We have also provided resources for the retooling of teachers, to make them CBC-ready,” Migosi stated, referring to the ongoing efforts to prepare teachers for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Cabinet Secretary’s appeal comes at a critical time as KUPPET continues to advocate for better pay and working conditions, with a strike action looming that could potentially disrupt the ongoing academic term. Migosi urged the union to consider the progress made so far and the government’s demonstrated goodwill, asserting that dialogue and collaboration are the best paths forward. “The Government has demonstrated goodwill and readiness to address all the issues raised. We therefore see no reason for confrontation,” he added.
Migosi also took the opportunity to commend the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) for their recent decision to call off their planned strike. He acknowledged that KNUT’s decision has allowed schools to reopen as scheduled, providing much-needed stability for students and teachers alike. The reopening of schools marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to normalize the education sector after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his statement, Migosi called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children report to school as planned. He also issued a stern warning to school heads against sending students home for unauthorized levies, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that all children have access to education without unnecessary financial barriers. “Our field officers are under firm instructions to report any such cases to my Office, for immediate action. Any school teacher who sends away a learner for unauthorized levies will bear individual and personal responsibility,” Migosi asserted.
As part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the education sector, Migosi provided an update on the ongoing preparations for the transition to Grade 9 under the CBC. He confirmed that 3,500 classrooms are currently under construction, with an additional 7,500 classrooms set to be built in the coming weeks. This large-scale construction effort is aimed at accommodating the growing number of students advancing through the CBC system.
Furthermore, the government has allocated Ksh3.4 billion to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the construction of 6,000 more classrooms. The distribution of textbooks for Grade 9 is also set to begin next month, ensuring that students have the necessary learning materials as they progress in their education.
Earlier in the day, Migosi visited several primary and junior secondary schools across Kajiado, Machakos, and Nairobi Counties to assess the resumption of school operations for the third term. His visits highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting schools and ensuring that the education system functions smoothly despite the challenges it faces.
In conclusion, Migosi’s appeal to KUPPET reflects the government’s desire for a collaborative approach to resolving the issues at hand. By addressing the concerns of teachers and ensuring the successful implementation of the CBA, the government aims to create a conducive environment for both educators and students. As the new academic term progresses, it remains to be seen how KUPPET will respond to Migosi’s call for dialogue and cooperation.
