KNUT Calls Off Teachers Strike.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has withdrawn its planned strike, directing its members to resume duties on Monday, August 26, 2024. This decision followed an extensive meeting of the KNUT National Executive Council (NEC) at their headquarters in Nairobi. The union’s leadership chose to suspend the strike notice, allowing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government more time to address their pressing demands. This move aims to ensure the smooth start of the third term in schools across the country.
Reasons Behind the Strike Suspension.
KNUT’s decision to call off the strike came after Secretary-General Collins Oyuu expressed confidence that the TSC and the government are committed to resolving the union’s grievances. Among the key issues were the failure of TSC to promote 130,000 teachers who had been shortlisted during interviews held in December 2023, the delay in employing 20,000 new teachers, and the immediate need to implement the second phase of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Additionally, KNUT demanded the prompt remittance of third-party deductions to relevant organizations, which had been delayed, and the conversion of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to permanent and pensionable terms.
Although the strike has been called off, KNUT has warned that it may resume the strike if the TSC fails to address all the issues raised. The union, which represents over 200,000 teachers in 23,000 public primary schools across Kenya, remains vigilant and prepared to take further action if necessary.
During the discussions with the TSC, significant progress was made, including the promotion of 51,232 teachers and the remittance of third-party deductions. The union also noted that the TSC is in the process of implementing the amended CBA, a crucial step towards addressing the teachers’ concerns.
Government’s Response and Third-Term Resumption
The suspension of the strike came ahead of a scheduled town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where President William Ruto was set to address the nation on critical issues affecting the education sector. This meeting, announced by the Ministry of Education, highlighted the government’s recognition of the importance of resolving the teachers’ grievances.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos also played a key role in urging parents and guardians to ensure that their children report to school on Monday for the start of the third term. Migos thanked KNUT for prioritizing the best interests of learners, acknowledging the union’s decision to call off the strike as an act of patriotism. He emphasized that the government is committed to addressing all legitimate concerns raised by the teachers, despite the current fiscal challenges.
However, the CS did not comment on the ongoing strike plans by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), another teachers’ union that had not yet agreed to suspend its industrial action. The differing positions between KNUT and KUPPET have created a sense of uncertainty within the education sector, as the start of the third term approaches.
In addition to implementing the CBA, KNUT continues to advocate for the permanent employment of JSS intern teachers, the hiring of 20,000 additional teachers, and the promotion of over 130,000 educators. These demands remain central to the union’s agenda, and KNUT has made it clear that it will not back down until all these issues are fully addressed.
Key Takeaways
KNUT’s decision to call off the strike is a significant step towards ensuring a smooth start to the third term in schools across Kenya. The union’s leadership, after careful consideration, opted to give the TSC and the government more time to address their demands, showing a commitment to dialogue and resolution. However, KNUT remains firm in its stance, ready to take further action if the issues are not resolved satisfactorily. As the education sector navigates these challenges, the government’s ability to fulfill its promises and address the teachers’ concerns will be crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring quality education for all learners.
KNUT Calls Off Teachers Strike.
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