President Ruto to Address the Nation Amid Teachers’ Strike and Education Challenges.
President William Ruto is scheduled to address the nation on critical issues within the education sector, including the impending teachers’ strike and the newly proposed university funding model. The address will take place during a town-hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Sunday evening. This announcement follows heightened tensions within the education sector, particularly the stark division between the two main teachers’ unions—Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet). The unions have taken opposing stances on whether to proceed with the strike set for Monday, which has added to the growing uncertainty and concern among teachers and parents alike.
Union Disagreements Over Strike Action
On Sunday, Knut’s National Executive Council made a surprising decision to withdraw its strike notice after a crucial meeting held at its headquarters in Nairobi. Secretary-General Collins Oyuu explained that the union decided to allow the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) more time to address their demands. He urged all Knut members to report to their respective schools on Monday, signaling a temporary pause in the union’s push for industrial action.
However, in stark contrast, Kuppet’s National Governing Council took a firm stance by voting overwhelmingly in favor of the strike, with 68 members supporting the motion and only 2 opposing it. Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori declared that the strike would proceed as planned, accusing the government of failing to address the union’s core demands. Misori emphasized that teachers should stay away from schools and not give the impression of being available for work. He noted that the TSC had only fulfilled one of the union’s 10 key demands, specifically the implementation of Phase II of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Other critical issues, such as the promotion of teachers and the hiring of intern teachers, remain unresolved, which Misori argued shows a lack of commitment from the government.
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During discussions held at the Kenya School of Government, the TSC did not sign any agreement, leading to frustration and anger among union representatives. Misori criticized the government for its poor handling of the situation, particularly targeting Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbad’s remarks on the recruitment of 46,000 secondary school teachers. Misori claimed that Mbad’s dismissal of this recruitment as a mere mention by the parliamentary education committee, rather than a confirmed commitment, was misleading. The union insists that this recruitment had been discussed and that the government had appeared committed to employing these teachers, which played a significant role in their decision to issue the strike notice.
Defending the Teaching Profession
Kuppet has reiterated its determination to defend the teaching profession from what it perceives as the “casualisation” of teachers. The union expressed deep concern over the government’s approach to labor practices, particularly the introduction of undefined contracts that undermine the profession’s dignity. Misori argued that TSC’s decision to recruit already qualified and registered teachers as casual workers is a direct attack on the profession. He called for an end to these practices, stressing that the protection of the teaching profession must remain a central focus in the ongoing conflict.
Adding to the tension, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua’s failure to appoint a conciliator by Friday has compelled Kuppet to move forward with the strike, despite the lack of a clear timeline for negotiations. Misori highlighted that without the intervention of this body, the strike cannot be halted. He asserted that teachers across the country will ensure that no learning occurs within their jurisdiction, further escalating the standoff between the union and the government.
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Kuppet also emphasized that the unfulfilled promise of the CBA’s full implementation has only deepened the mistrust between teachers and the government. Misori urged all stakeholders, including parents and those concerned about the future of education in Kenya, to take the strike seriously, as it reflects deeper issues within the education system that need urgent attention.
In Kisumu County, Kuppet’s local branch has planned a day of action to coincide with the start of the strike. Executive Secretary Zablon Awange announced that teachers would begin the day with a church service in the city center, followed by picketing and the submission of a memorandum to the TSC’s regional office. Awange called on teachers from all seven sub-counties to participate actively, ensuring a strong turnout to press the government to meet their demands.
Awange also highlighted another pressing issue: the blacklisting of teachers by the Credit Reference Bureaus (CRB) due to delays in loan premium remittances by the TSC. This revelation has added to the teachers’ frustrations, further justifying the need for industrial action to secure their rights and financial well-being.
Key Takeaways
As tensions rise within the education sector, President William Ruto’s upcoming address at KICC will be closely watched by teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. The division between Knut and Kuppet over the strike reflects the broader challenges facing the education system, particularly regarding labor practices and the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. Kuppet’s resolve to protect the teaching profession and demand better treatment for educators underscores the seriousness of the situation. The government’s response, along with the outcomes of the strike, will likely have significant implications for the future of education in Kenya. All eyes are now on President Ruto to provide much-needed clarity and direction in this critical moment.
President Ruto to Address the Nation Amid Teachers’ Strike and Education Challenges.
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