Support Teachers Strike: Kuppet Urges Parents.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) remains steadfast on the nationwide teachers’ strike. Despite a recent court order temporarily suspending the strike, Kuppet has called on parents to support the teachers in their fight for better working conditions. The union warns that any parent who sends their child to school during this period assumes full responsibility for their safety and well-being. This latest development underscores the growing tension between the union and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), which has been accused of neglecting teachers’ concerns.
Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori emphasized that the strike is still ongoing, even as the union seeks a legal interpretation of the court order obtained by the TSC. Misori clarified that Kuppet will only consider ending the strike through a formal return-to-work agreement. Despite the union’s advisory, he criticized parents who have chosen to send their children to school, stating that they are fully responsible for whatever may happen to their children during this period.
“We have issued clear guidance, and parents who choose to ignore it must understand they are taking on the responsibility themselves,” Misori stated. He further noted that some schools operate outside the standard timetable, potentially putting students at risk. While he expressed trust in school principals to manage the situation responsibly, he reiterated that parents must heed the union’s warnings and act accordingly.
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Kuppet’s grievances extend beyond the current strike, with Misori accusing the TSC of devaluing the teaching profession by reducing the formality and stability of teachers’ employment. He argued that the commission, established to manage and support teachers, has contributed to the profession’s decline through its actions.
Misori expressed frustration over the TSC’s failure to pay attention to teachers’ needs, highlighting that many teachers have remained in the same job group for over 25 years. He described this situation as immoral and indicative of the commission’s irresponsibility. “The TSC has neglected the very people who are the backbone of our education system. Their unwillingness to address teachers’ concerns is a clear sign of their disregard for the profession,” he said.
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Another critical issue raised by Kuppet is the TSC’s failure to implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effectively. One of the core elements of this agreement was that every school should have a formally appointed principal. However, Misori pointed out that over 4,000 principals currently serve in acting positions without formal appointments, leaving them in professional limbo.
“The commission initially promised to regularize these appointments but has since left these principals uncertain,” Misori explained. He criticized the TSC for responding to the unions with orders rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He argued that this has led to a decline in teachers’ morale, as they are now being controlled through directives rather than collaboration.
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Misori also highlighted the TSC’s refusal to pay special duty or acting allowances to these principals, calling it a blatant disregard for the laws of the land. He questioned whether the commission treated teachers as professionals or merely as tools to control. “If you’re managing teachers with orders instead of engagement, are you dealing with people or robots? We, as unions, are here to make our voices heard, not to preside over standoffs,” he said.
Kuppet’s call for parental support in the ongoing strike reflects the union’s determination to stand firm against what it views as TSC’s neglect and mistreatment of teachers. The union’s demands for better working conditions, respect for the teaching profession, and the proper implementation of the 2017 CBA are at the heart of this dispute. As the situation unfolds, the support of parents and the broader public will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this conflict.
Support Teachers Strike: Kuppet Urges Parents.
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