The Employment and Labour Relations Court has intervened to temporarily halt the nationwide strike initiated by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). This legal action comes as a response to a case filed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on August 26, 2024. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has been listed as an interested party in this case, underscoring the complexity of the issues at hand.
Judge James Rika issued a temporary injunction preventing KUPPET, its officials, members, employees, and agents from participating in or continuing with the strike, which had been scheduled to commence on August 24, 2024. This ruling aims to maintain normalcy in educational institutions while the court deliberates on the matter. The judge has also directed KUPPET and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to submit their responses within seven days, with the next court mention set for September 5, 2024.
The dispute began when KUPPET launched a nationwide strike on the first day of the third term, marking August 24, 2024. This industrial action saw teachers across the country staying away from classrooms and taking to the streets in protest against the government’s inaction on their grievances. The teachers’ strike underscores a significant tension between educators and the government, with several critical issues driving the protest.
The primary demands of the striking teachers include the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which covers salary increments and improved working conditions. Additionally, the teachers are calling for the promotion of teachers, the absorption of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on a permanent basis, and the reinstatement of their medical cover, which they argue is crucial for their well-being and job security.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos has responded to the strike by stating that the concerns raised by KUPPET are being addressed administratively by the TSC. According to Migos, issues related to medical cover, career progression guidelines, and promotions are already being dealt with through established administrative channels. This response aims to mitigate the impact of the strike and reassure teachers that their grievances are being taken seriously.
The timing of the strike, coinciding with the start of a new academic term, has further intensified the situation. With teachers absent from classrooms, there has been a significant disruption in the education sector, affecting students’ learning experiences and creating a ripple effect on other educational activities. The government’s decision to seek a court injunction reflects its commitment to ensuring that educational services continue without interruption while seeking a resolution to the underlying issues.
This legal intervention highlights the ongoing struggle between the government and educators over labor rights and educational reforms. It also emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to addressing the concerns of teachers while maintaining the stability of the education system.
As the court proceedings unfold, stakeholders in the education sector will be closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that addresses the teachers’ grievances while ensuring that students’ education is not unduly affected. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, impacting labor relations and educational policies across Kenya.
In the interim, the halt to the strike provides a temporary respite for students and parents alike, but the underlying issues remain to be fully addressed. The forthcoming court decisions and administrative actions will be crucial in determining the path forward for both the teachers and the education system.
