Teachers’ Strike Enters Second Week as Schools Send Students Home

As Kenya’s teachers’ strike stretches into its second week, secondary schools across several counties are grappling with the fallout. The strike, led by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), has prompted numerous schools to send students home, leaving parents and students in a state of uncertainty. This development comes amid increasing tensions between teachers and the government over unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) issues.

Schools Across the Country Affected

A recent spot check reveals that schools in Machakos, Nakuru, Meru, and Kirinyaga counties have been directly impacted. In these regions, school heads are grappling with the implications of the ongoing strike, leading to the temporary closure of institutions and the dismissal of students.

In Meru, students were observed congregating at bus stops, heading home as their schools shut down. This exodus of students has sparked concern among parents, particularly those with children preparing for national examinations. Many parents are condemning the government’s inaction during this crucial period, arguing that the disruption could adversely affect students’ academic progress.

Jomo Kenyatta Boys High School in Nakuru has taken the drastic step of closing indefinitely. Principal Philip Waweru cited mounting pressure from students and rising unrest as reasons for the closure. The situation at the school had become untenable, with the lack of teaching staff contributing to an atmosphere of disorder.

In Machakos, the situation is similarly grim. Students at Machakos School were sent home following an incident of unrest over the weekend. According to a school administrator who requested anonymity, the students became unruly, although no property was damaged. The unrest highlights the broader issue of student indiscipline that has emerged as a byproduct of the teachers’ strike.

Teachers’ Grievances and Union Demands

The strike, which has seen teachers taking to the streets in protest, centers on accusations that the government has failed to honor its commitments under the second phase of the CBA. KUPPET officials, including branch chairperson Sosten Bellat, have accused the government of deliberately avoiding discussions and neglecting their demands.

Bellat has urged parents to withdraw their children from schools, emphasizing that the strike will persist until the teachers’ demands are met. He also pointed out a troubling rise in indiscipline among students, a direct consequence of their unsupervised time in schools. The situation is compounded by the perception that the government is intentionally avoiding dialogue with the teaching community.

In Kirinyaga, KUPPET Executive Secretary Njogu Mbui led a demonstration in Kutus town, where teachers voiced their frustration over the government’s failure to release Ksh.13.3 billion required to implement the second phase of the CBA. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is accused of reneging on its promises, exacerbating the current educational crisis.

Impact on Education and Next Steps

The ongoing strike has effectively paralyzed secondary school education, with significant disruptions to the learning process. As the strike continues, both students and parents are facing increased uncertainty. The government’s response to the teachers’ demands will be crucial in determining how quickly normalcy can be restored in the education sector.

With national examinations on the horizon, the timing of the strike could not be more critical. The educational community remains hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon, allowing students to resume their studies and prepare adequately for their exams.

In the meantime, parents are urged to make necessary arrangements for their children while the strike continues. The broader implications of this industrial action underscore the urgent need for effective dialogue between the government and educational stakeholders to address the underlying issues and prevent further disruptions to the educational system.