Activities in Kakamega County were briefly disrupted on April 27, school reopening day as teachers- members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) took to the streets in a show of solidarity, pressing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently address long-standing grievances.
The educators, drawn from across the county, described their action as peaceful but firm, insisting that their concerns could no longer be ignored. Waving placards and circulating printed statements, the teachers outlined five key demands they want addressed immediately.
At the top of the list is the employment and confirmation of over 44,000 junior school intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. KUPPET officials said the continued delay has left thousands in uncertainty despite their contribution to the education sector.
The union is also demanding the full autonomy of junior schools, arguing that their current attachment to primary school administration has created confusion and inefficiencies in management and staffing.
In addition, the teachers called for the immediate payment of all examiners contracted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). They warned that delayed payments risk discouraging professionals tasked with handling national examinations.
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Healthcare concerns also dominated the protests, with teachers criticizing the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme as unreliable. They called for a more efficient and dependable medical cover that meets their needs.
Finally, KUPPET is pushing for the immediate opening of transfer opportunities for junior secondary school teachers, citing stagnation and inequitable deployment as key issues affecting morale.
Union leaders commended members who turned up in large numbers, terming the demonstration a success and a clear message to authorities.
“These demands are clear and urgent. We expect immediate action from the relevant bodies,” one official said.
The protest remained orderly, with participants emphasizing unity and professionalism. KUPPET leaders expressed hope that the concerns will be addressed swiftly, even as they hinted at the possibility of further action if no progress is made.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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