Junior Secondary School Teachers Strike: Kuppet Argues That Strike Is on and Demands Immediate Action
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has announced that the ongoing strike by Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers will persist until their demands are addressed. The union criticizes the government’s neglect over the past three weeks, emphasizing that it is the students who are suffering the most.
The 46,000 intern teachers are calling for a substantial budget allocation in the upcoming financial year to address their concerns. Simon Kimani, the Nakuru branch union chairman, argues that intern teachers will not return to work until the Teachers Service Commission takes into account their grievances.. He highlighted the inadequate monthly pay of Sh17,000, which fails to meet their basic needs.
Despite facing threats and intimidation from school administrators, the intern teachers remain firm in their decision to stay away from classrooms. Kimani pointed out the disparity between the government’s claims of insufficient funds and President William Ruto’s recent expenditure of Sh200 million on a private jet.
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Dancun Macharia, Nakuru Kuppet Secretary General, noted that the court has declared the internship program illegal. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) must issue confirmation letters before the interns resume teaching. Macharia urged the parliamentary budget committee to ensure sufficient funding to meet the demands of all intern teachers.
George Owino, representing JSS teachers in Naivasha, confirmed that they will not return to classes until the government meets their demands. He stated that the Sh17,000 salary is inadequate, especially with the rising cost of living.
Owino called for the TSC to clarify the status of intern teachers by providing permanent and pensionable employment letters to all 46,000 teachers. Intern teacher Issac Mungai expressed disappointment that the TSC has extended the internship period to two years, despite initially promising confirmation after one year. “We are not returning to classrooms until the Teachers Service Commission meets our demands.” He asserted,
Junior Secondary School Teachers Strike: Kuppet Argues That Strike Is on and Demands Immediate Action.
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