Newly appointed Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba is under scrutiny over his silence despite the education sector’s imminent crisis as teachers prepare to begin a strike on August 26, 2024.
The two major teachers’ unions, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), already put the government on notice regarding the nationwide strike.
In addition, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) issued a strike notice on Wednesday, August 14, highlighting concerns about job security and working conditions.
All eyes are now on CS Ogamba to see what action he is going to take, this being his first crisis just as he assumes office, given that the above threats are projected to jeopardize the smooth running of the education calendar.
On Thursday, KUPPET issued a seven-day strike notice whose deadline coincides with schools’ reopening date for the third term.
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On the other hand, KNUT is anticipated to officially issue a strike notice today.
The teachers’ unions have outlined several grievances and have involved Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua as well.
In a petition to Dr. Mutua, KUPPET and KNUT listed the plight of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, unfulfilled demands as outlined in the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and understaffing.
“The CS comes to the ministry when we have very many issues, but the buck stops with him and we call him to work with the employer TSC to look into the issues raised,” KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori said.
Additionally, the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) issued a strike notice on Wednesday, August 14, highlighting concerns about job security and working conditions.
By Frank Mugwe
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