The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Governing Council (NGC), the Union top decision-making organ comprising of the National Executive Board members and all the branch executive secretaries, has today endorsed the teachers’ strike set to begin on August 26, 2024 after the government failed to meet the demands they had initially raised.
The demands are; immediate implementation of phase 2 of 2021-2025 CBA, confirmation of 46,000 JSS interns and employment of 20,000 new JSS teachers; and immediate disbursement of overdue funds for teachers’ medical scheme.
According to KUPPET Kisii branch Executive Secretary, Joseph Abincha, this decision comes after extensive deliberations and consultations by the union’s top organ which met today.
“After exhaustive deliberations, consultations and careful considerations, the National Governing Council of our union has unanimously resolved to take industrial action against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government,” said Abincha in his address to branch members.
Abincha said that the union’s decision to strike underscores mounting frustrations over persistent issues that have allegedly been neglected by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government.
“This decision was not taken lightly. It is the culmination of continuous neglect, broken promises, and the blatant disregard for the rights and needs of our members—those who dedicate their lives to nurturing the future of this country,” Abincha stated.
He emphasized that the strike is a response to unresolved grievances affecting the teaching profession including; persistent delays in payments despite increasing living costs, promises made in the CBA remained unmet.
Abincha also highlighted that many teachers are reportedly stuck in their current positions with no clear prospects for career advancement, which has led to widespread dissatisfaction within the profession.
“The national governing council has, therefore, sanctioned a nationwide strike, effective August 26, 2024,” he stated.
The official described the strike as a ‘call for respect, fairness and justice’ that aims to address these long-standing issues. He urged both the TSC and the government to engage in sincere negotiations to resolve the grievances.
“We wish to clarify that this strike is not just a demand for better pay and conditions but a call for respect, fairness, and justice for all teachers in this country,” he said.
He also appealed to parents, students, and the public for their understanding and support, framing the strike as a measure to safeguard the future of education.
The government and TSC have been urged to return to the negotiation table with a genuine commitment to address the issues at hand. Abincha warned that the industrial action could be avoided if meaningful dialogue is initiated promptly.
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“We are not against education; we are for it and that is why we must fight to protect its foundation—the teachers,” said Abincha.
“We are calling upon the government and TSC to return to the negotiation table, but this time with genuine commitment to resolve these issues. Let it be known that teachers are not merely asking for handouts—they are demanding what is rightfully theirs,” he added.
By Frank Mugwe
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