KNUT Threatens Strike Over Unfulfilled CBA, Advocates for Female Teachers Empowerment

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a stern warning to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), threatening industrial action if the long-overdue Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is not honored. Kisii South Executive Secretary, Jared Mariera, vocalized the frustration of many educators, emphasizing that the fulfillment of the CBA is not just a demand but a necessity for the welfare of teachers across the country.

During a recent female teachers’ empowerment meeting in Kisii South, Mariera did not mince words about the potential for industrial action. “Our leaders have taught us that the best language the government understands is violence, and we shall use it to demand our rights unless they honor the agreement,” he declared. His statement underscored the deep-seated frustration and readiness among teachers to take drastic measures if their demands continue to be ignored.

The meeting, which was chaired by Beatrice Mauti, the KNUT Kisii South Branch Chair, was not just a platform for airing grievances but also a significant gathering focusing on the empowerment of female teachers. Mauti echoed Mariera’s sentiments, criticizing the government for its delay in promoting teachers and accusing it of toying with their careers and livelihoods.

In a lighter moment during the meeting, Mauti and her colleagues shared a warm exchange with the guest speaker, Dr. Magdalene Gesare, a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) intervention expert. Dr. Gesare’s presence was a poignant reminder of the broader social responsibilities that teachers, especially female educators, carry within the community.

Dr. Gesare urged female teachers to take a proactive role in protecting the girl child from social ills. “You are mothers and elder sisters of our girls. Please be in their shoes so as to navigate their social journey into adulthood,” she advised. Her appeal was not just to the teachers present but extended to all Woman Representatives across the country. Dr. Gesare called for a united front in the empowerment of girls, stressing that such efforts would bring about positive change nationwide.

The meeting highlighted the dual role that teachers, particularly women, play in both education and social advocacy. Female teachers, positioned as both educators and caregivers, have a unique perspective and influence that can significantly impact the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of girls’ rights.

KNUT’s stance on the CBA is clear: the teachers are prepared to use industrial action as a last resort to ensure their rights are respected and their agreements honored. This situation is a critical test for the TSC and the government’s commitment to education and the welfare of teachers. The delay in implementing the CBA not only affects the teachers’ morale and career progression but also has broader implications for the quality of education in Kenya.

As the KNUT and its members brace for potential industrial action, the call for the empowerment of female teachers and the protection of the girl child remains paramount. The dual focus on industrial rights and social advocacy underscores the multifaceted role of teachers in Kenya. It is a call to action for the government, educators, and society at large to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of teachers, ensuring their welfare and enabling them to fulfill their critical role in shaping the nation’s future.

In conclusion, the KNUT’s warning is a clear indication of the simmering discontent among teachers. It serves as a reminder that the fulfillment of the CBA is not just a bureaucratic requirement but a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being and effectiveness of educators in Kenya. The meeting in Kisii South, with its focus on female empowerment and social advocacy, highlights the broader responsibilities that teachers undertake, emphasizing the need for a supportive and responsive education system.