Teachers Unions Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Issues

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have issued a nationwide strike notice. The unions are demanding urgent action from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding unresolved issues that have caused widespread unrest among teachers.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu announced that teachers would commence their strike action on August 26, 2024, if their demands are not met. The unions have presented a list of six critical issues that they insist must be addressed within the next seven days to avoid the strike.

The primary demands of the unions include the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), conversion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to new employment statuses, and the immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms. Additionally, the unions are calling for the remittance of full salaries for intern teachers for the month of July, which they claim are currently in arrears.

Oyuu emphasized the urgency of these issues, stating, “The unions demand the immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms effective July 1, 2024, and the remittance of their full salaries for the month, which are now arrears.” This demand highlights the financial strain faced by intern teachers, who are currently in limbo regarding their employment status and salaries.

Another major point of contention is the alleged reduction in the appropriation for the teachers’ medical scheme. KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori expressed deep concern over this issue, stating, “The unions are concerned by the reduction in the current Appropriations Act of the teachers’ medical cover by Ksh.11,899,413,833, which will cut the benefits to teachers by 50 percent.” This cut is seen as a significant setback for teachers who rely on this medical scheme for their health and well-being.

In addition to these demands, the unions are also calling for the promotion of 130,000 teachers who have been stagnating in their current job grades. These teachers were shortlisted and interviewed for new grades within the current financial year, and the unions are urging the TSC to confirm that these promotions will occur.

The unions have also criticized the TSC for failing to address several other concerns, including the deduction of NSSF contributions from teachers’ salaries without proper remittance to the fund. They are demanding a commitment from the TSC to a new CBA that includes risk allowances for science teachers, postgraduate allowances, per diems for games teachers, and special duty and acting allowances for teachers not substantially appointed.

The looming strike action by KNUT and KUPPET represents a critical juncture for Kenya’s education sector. Should the strike proceed as planned, it will disrupt classes across the nation, impacting students’ learning and potentially leading to significant challenges for parents and guardians.

The TSC now faces mounting pressure to address these demands swiftly and effectively to prevent a widespread disruption in the education sector. As the deadline approaches, the response from the TSC will be closely watched by all stakeholders, including educators, students, and parents.

In summary, the threat of a nationwide teachers’ strike highlights the deepening frustrations within Kenya’s teaching profession. With crucial demands on the table, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether a resolution can be reached or if the education sector will face a major disruption.