Teachers’ Strike Disrupts School Opening Across Kenya.
As the third school term kicked off on Monday, a cloud of confusion and unrest loomed over Kenya’s educational landscape. Public primary schools opened their doors, yet many saw alarmingly low attendance, while secondary school teachers across the nation took to the streets in protest. The standoff comes after a five-hour meeting between post-primary teachers’ union leaders and government officials ended without resolution, setting the stage for a deepening crisis as most secondary schools are scheduled to open today.
Talks Collapse
At the heart of this educational turmoil lies a failed negotiation between the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and government representatives. The meeting, which lasted from 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM, saw Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour Alfred Mutua continuously consulting with President William Ruto, Education CS Migos Ogamba, and Treasury CS John Mbadi. Despite these high-level discussions, the meeting concluded without a breakthrough, leaving the teachers’ strike unresolved.
The strike action had initially been a joint effort between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and KUPPET, but KNUT unexpectedly withdrew at the eleventh hour, leaving KUPPET to continue the fight alone. This sudden shift has further complicated the situation, leaving parents uncertain about whether to send their children to school.
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In Homa Bay County, for instance, only about 500 out of 1,600 learners reported to Lake Primary School, while Shauri Yako Primary School saw less than 100 out of its 1,850 students attend. The situation was even more dire at Lala Primary School, where only seven students out of 400 showed up. This pattern of low attendance was echoed across the country, signaling widespread confusion and concern among parents and educators alike.
Teachers’ Grievances and Demands
The teachers’ unions have laid out a series of demands that they insist must be met before they consider returning to the classroom. These include the implementation of Phase II of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the employment of 46,000 junior school teachers on permanent terms, and the promotion of 130,000 teachers. In addition, they are calling for a resolution to ongoing issues with their medical insurance cover and a commitment to negotiate a new CBA with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori has urged teachers to stay calm while continuing their picketing, emphasizing the progress made and cautioning against taking it for granted. However, the union remains firm in its resolve, with KUPPET members in various counties, including Bomet, Kericho, and Narok, refusing to resume teaching until authorities fully address their demands.
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In the South Rift region, some parents have opted to keep their children at home, citing uncertainty over the strike. Teachers in Ol Kalou town, for example, gathered at ACK Church grounds before taking to the streets in protest. The strike has drawn concern from various quarters, including Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who has requested that KUPPET consider allowing teachers to return to class to prepare KCSE candidates for their upcoming national examinations.
Nationwide Impact of the Strike
Teachers across the country have staged protests and demonstrations, making the strike’s impact felt nationwide. In Mombasa, for instance, teachers left learners at secondary schools like Allidina Visram High School and Mvita Boys studying alone as they took to the streets. KUPPET members demonstrated in the city center, but police eventually dispersed them.
In Kilifi County, KUPPET branch executive secretary Caleb Mogere emphasized the importance of the union’s demands, noting that many teachers currently serve as acting principals and deputy principals and need confirmation in those roles. Similar protests occurred in Meru County, where KUPPET members demonstrated in the streets of Meru town. Meanwhile, primary schools in the area saw a low learner turnout despite teachers reporting for duty.
The situation was no different in Laikipia County, where over 1,000 junior school teachers joined the strike, demanding confirmation as permanent and pensionable employees. “We will not report to school until the government honors our demands, and we are not ready to wait until January next year,” said Martin Thumbi, one of the protesting teachers.
Across the country, the strike has disrupted normal school operations, with only a few learners traveling back to school for the third term in some areas. In Kirinyaga County, secondary school teachers staged a protest march in Kerugoya town, while in Uasin Gishu County, teachers affiliated with KUPPET held demonstrations in Eldoret city, the hometown of President Ruto. The teachers brought activities to a standstill as they marched through the town, escorted by police, to present their grievances at the regional TSC offices.
Key Takeaways
The ongoing teachers’ strike has highlighted significant challenges within Kenya’s education system, particularly in relation to labor relations and the fulfillment of teachers’ demands. The standoff has caused widespread confusion and concern among parents, educators, and students, with many unsure of what the future holds. As the strike enters its second day, the National Parents Association has called on the government to intervene and resolve the issues at hand, emphasizing the need for a swift and effective solution.
The teachers’ demands, which include the implementation of the CBA, the employment of junior school teachers on permanent terms, and the resolution of medical insurance issues, are central to their grievances. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests and demonstrations across the country, as teachers continue to push for their rights and better working conditions.
The strike’s impact on learners, particularly those preparing for national examinations, cannot be overstated. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the resolution of this standoff is crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of Kenya’s education system and the well-being of its students and teachers alike.
Teachers’ Strike Disrupts School Opening Across Kenya.
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