Members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Nairobi branch took to the streets to demand better treatment and respect from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The march, which began at the Central Business District and ended at the TSC headquarters, was fueled by grievances over the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Phase 2 and the need for quality medical cover for teachers. The strike was marked by teachers chanting their signature protest song, “Walimu msilale,” and holding banners that read, “No CBA Phase 2, no class.”
The Demands
KUPPET Nairobi branch members are pressing for the implementation of the second phase of the CBA, which they believe has been unduly delayed by the TSC. The CBA, which is meant to address various issues including salary increments, promotions, and working conditions, is a crucial aspect of the union’s demands. Without the full implementation of the CBA, teachers argue that their welfare and professional development are being neglected.
KUPPET Nairobi branch chairman Julius Ng’ang’a led the protest, emphasizing the need for TSC to address the teachers’ concerns urgently. “We are here as Nairobi teachers to bring our KUPPET strike issues and consequences. Teachers must be respected,” Ng’ang’a asserted. His sentiments echoed the frustration of many educators who feel sidelined in the decision-making processes that directly affect their careers and livelihoods.
Call for Quality Medical Cover
Another critical issue highlighted during the protest is the need for a comprehensive and quality medical cover for teachers. KUPPET Nairobi branch executive secretary Moses Mbora noted that providing adequate medical cover is within the mandate of the TSC, and it is a non-negotiable aspect of teachers’ welfare. Mbora pointed out that the current medical cover is insufficient and does not meet the needs of teachers, many of whom struggle to afford quality healthcare for themselves and their families.
“Teachers deserve a medical cover that truly covers their needs, not one that is full of gaps and limitations,” Mbora stated. He underscored that the health and wellbeing of teachers are paramount to the effective delivery of education, and neglecting this aspect can have far-reaching consequences on the quality of education provided to students.
Negotiations and Way Forward
Mbora also indicated that the KUPPET national executive board is ready to enter into negotiations with TSC to address these pressing issues. However, he stressed that the union’s patience is wearing thin, and if the TSC does not act promptly, the strike actions may escalate. “We are ready to negotiate, but our patience is not infinite. The welfare of teachers must be prioritized,” Mbora warned.
The protest by KUPPET members is a clear indication of the mounting frustration among educators in Nairobi and across the country. The lack of progress on the implementation of the CBA and the failure to provide a satisfactory medical cover are seen as a blatant disregard for the welfare of teachers. As a result, teachers have resolved to continue their strike until their demands are met.
TSC’s Response
The Teachers Service Commission, led by CEO Nancy Macharia, is now under pressure to address these concerns. The teachers’ march to the TSC headquarters serves as a direct appeal to the leadership to take swift action and engage in meaningful negotiations with KUPPET. The resolution of these issues is critical, not just for the teachers, but for the broader education sector, which relies heavily on the dedication and wellbeing of educators.
As the standoff continues, the education community is watching closely to see how the TSC will respond to the demands of KUPPET members. The teachers’ insistence on respect, fair treatment, and proper medical cover is not just a fight for their rights, but a call for the recognition of the crucial role they play in shaping the future of the nation. For now, the message from KUPPET is clear: no CBA Phase 2, no class.
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