Kenya Union of Post Primary education Teachers (KUPPET) has threatened to go on strike by July this year if the government will not confirm 20,000 interns teachers into permanent and pensionable terms and streamline policies governing education.
Speaking to the public at Kisii town, Kisii Branch KUPPET Executive Secretary Joseph Abincha cited various shortcomings of the Ministry of education and Teachers’ service Commission (TSC) towards teachers and called urgent rectification of the anomaly for the smooth running of education in this country.
He blamed the government for not budgeting money for the recently employed 20,000 teachers who were contracted for one year only.
“We expected these teachers to be confirmed as permanent and pensionable civil servants but not a contracted interns because this is against the teaching professions,” Abincha said.
ALSO READ:
Joy as Tetu Vocational College breaks ground on new classrooms
He accused the government of treating teachers like street matatu touts and asked teachers to be alert and stand up for their social economic and professional rights.
Saying the introduction of feeding program in some schools by the government is a good move because it will attract more children and boost enrollment in school, he accused the government of sabotaging the program by slashing its budgetary allocation from shillings 7 bullion to Ksh 3 billion and said that meagre budget will cripple the budget.
“I ask the government to stop introducing many programs in the education system that end up disappointing them because of lack of funds but instead try to chew only what is enough for them to swallow, ” he said.
On the alleged stoppage of payment of examination fees for KCSE candidates, Abincha called it a big government’s miscalculation.
He reminded the Cabinet Secretary for education that examinations are very critical to students and asked him to clear air of suspicion surrounding the matter.
He asked teachers to consistent the in their noble service of molding the child by adhering to their professional ethics but without succumbing to intimidations from their employer not uncooperative parents.
By Enock Okong’o.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
