High School Teachers Strike as Primary Schools Record Low Turnout.
The reopening of schools for the third term in Kenya has been marked by significant confusion and unrest, as high school teachers affiliated with the Kenya Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) launched a nationwide strike. This industrial action stems from the government’s failure to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), leaving schools in disarray. In contrast, primary schools recorded low learner turnout, driven by conflicting messages from teachers’ unions and widespread uncertainty among parents.
Sharp Divisions and Widespread Disruption
The reopening of schools highlighted a sharp division between Kenya’s two major teachers’ unions, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and KUPPET. While KNUT members reported to their respective schools, their KUPPET counterparts took to the streets to push for the implementation of the CBA. This division has led to confusion among parents and students, particularly in public secondary schools.
In Nakuru County, for instance, KUPPET officials, led by Secretary General Duncan Macharia, vowed not to return to work until their demands were met. Macharia expressed regret over the government’s and the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) failure to heed the union’s demands, which has left 420 schools in Nakuru closed. His firm stance, shared by KUPPET Chairman Symon Waita, underscores the union’s determination to fight what they describe as years of injustice.
The strike’s effects rippled beyond Nakuru, causing significant disruptions in Naivasha and Gilgil. In these areas, schools reported low turnout as parents hesitated to send their children to school without confirmation that the national strike had ended. This hesitation arises from fears of further disruptions and the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing industrial action.
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National Parents Association (NPA) Secretary General Eskimos Kobia voiced concerns about the education sector’s current state, attributing the crisis to the government’s lack of commitment. Despite a recent circular from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, no school has received government funds, leaving many without basic resources like learning materials and food. This situation has only compounded the challenges faced by schools as they struggle to operate amid the strike.
In Nyeri County, hundreds of KUPPET-affiliated teachers joined the nationwide strike, marching through Nyeri Town’s streets to express their dissatisfaction. KUPPET Nyeri branch secretary Francis Wanjohi urged parents not to send their children to school, stating that the strike would continue until the TSC fulfilled its legal obligations. Wanjohi also warned teachers not to engage in dialogue with school principals attempting to persuade them to return to classes. The union’s demands include the immediate promotion of 130,000 teachers who have stagnated in their current job grades and the transition of all intern teachers to permanent status by July 2024.
Mixed Reactions and Varied Impact Across Counties
While the strike has led to significant disruptions in some areas, other regions have seen a relatively smooth reopening of schools. In Laikipia County, primary schools reopened without any issues, according to Laikipia KNUT Executive Secretary Francis Itegi. He reported that almost all students had returned to their respective schools by the morning of the reopening day. Similarly, Nyandarua County experienced a peaceful return to school, with no major incidents reported. Nyandarua KUPPET Executive Secretary Julius Macharia confirmed that all secondary day schools had opened, following the cancellation of the strike notice.
In contrast, Homa Bay County witnessed a low turnout in many schools, attributed to the ongoing confusion over the teachers’ strike. The inability of parents and students to differentiate between the two unions—KNUT and KUPPET—has led to widespread uncertainty. At Shauri Yako Primary School in Homa Bay Town, less than 100 pupils reported to school, compared to a total enrollment of 1,850 learners. Deputy headteacher Fred Akello speculated that some parents might still believe all teachers are on strike, contributing to the low turnout.
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The situation in Kericho County was markedly different, with KUPPET branch members actively participating in the nationwide strike. Executive member Mary Rotich led a gathering of teachers at Moi Garden, describing the first day of the strike as a “warm-up” and emphasizing the union’s commitment to fighting for their rights. Rotich accused the TSC of attempting to blackmail teachers by withholding their salaries, but she affirmed that the union would not yield to such tactics. The teachers’ demands include the immediate implementation of the CBA, which they believe should have been done without their having to strike.
Meanwhile, in Meru County, KUPPET teachers staged a demonstration along the streets of Meru town, maintaining their resolve not to report to their respective schools. Teachers like Benson Mugambi of St. James Tutua expressed strong support for their colleagues’ demands, arguing that teaching, like any other profession, deserves respect and proper compensation. Junior Secondary teacher Kenneth Gikundi echoed these sentiments, voicing frustration over the prolonged wait for confirmation as employees on permanent and pensionable terms. He questioned how teachers could be expected to educate students to university level when they themselves were paid insufficiently.
In Mombasa, tensions escalated when police intervened to prevent KUPPET members from demonstrating in the streets. Authorities claimed the teachers had not received permission to protest, leading to a standoff between the union members and law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
The ongoing teachers’ strike has exposed deep divisions within Kenya’s education sector, highlighting the challenges faced by both teachers and learners. The strike, primarily driven by KUPPET’s demands for the implementation of the CBA, has disrupted schooling across the country, with significant impacts on secondary schools. Meanwhile, primary schools have seen varying degrees of disruption, with low learner turnout reported in several regions due to confusion among parents.
As the strike drags on, uncertainty looms over the future of Kenya’s education sector. Teachers’ unions, especially KUPPET, refuse to back down and continue to demand that their concerns are addressed before resuming work. This situation requires urgent action from the government and the TSC to resolve the ongoing crisis and prevent further disruptions to learners’ education.
For parents, students, and educators alike, the key takeaway is the importance of clear communication and decisive action in navigating the challenges posed by the strike. As the education sector grapples with these disruptions, the need for a resolution becomes increasingly critical to safeguard the future of Kenya’s learners.
High School Teachers Strike as Primary Schools Record Low Turnout.
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