Looming Crisis in Kenyan Schools as Teachers Issue 7-Day Strike Notice.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has announced a 7-day strike notice, demanding that the government fulfill several promises to improve educators’ welfare. KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori disclosed this move in a media statement on Friday, highlighting four key issues that the union insists the government must address promptly.
One major demand is the immediate release of overdue funds for teachers’ medical schemes. KUPPET argues that the government must honor these financial commitments without delay. Additionally, the union calls for the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). According to Misori, the agreement has completed all legal processes and received registration at the Employment and Labour Relations Court. Therefore, it is legally binding and cannot undergo renegotiation or withholding.
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Another critical issue is the employment of 46,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. KUPPET expects these educators to receive their confirmation letters by the end of the month and their July salaries to be processed by next week. Furthermore, the union demands the immediate recruitment of 20,000 new Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) teachers. This call aligns with President William Ruto’s recent declaration that investing in JSS is a priority.
Despite these demands, KUPPET warns that even with the new hires, JSS schools will still be understaffed by approximately 73,000 teachers. Misori criticized the government’s response to the current situation, particularly regarding claims that budget constraints from the Finance Bill 2024 are to blame. He argues that the government should focus on reducing inefficiencies rather than cutting benefits for workers.
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Misori expressed frustration over what he perceives as dismissive comments from government officials about teachers’ welfare. He pointed out that, despite the President’s commitment to addressing youth issues, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission appears to be undermining workers’ rights. “If no progress is made on these issues within seven days, the government should be prepared for a school closure at the start of the third term in September,” Misori warned.
The strike notice follows an announcement from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) earlier this week. On Wednesday, TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia revealed that the commission cannot fulfill the CBA due to significant budget cuts from the government. During her appearance before the Education Committee in the National Assembly, Macharia stated that the government reduced the overall budget by Ksh. 10 billion. This reduction will affect the implementation of the second phase of the CBA agreement.
Additionally, Macharia informed the committee that the absorption of JSS intern teachers would be delayed until January, rather than the anticipated start date this month.
Looming Crisis in Kenyan Schools as Teachers Issue 7-Day Strike Notice.
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