Take our matters seriously, teachers warn Machogu

By Fredrick Odiero

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has told Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu to treat matters affecting teachers with seriousness.

KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said it was unfortunate that Machogu was not aware that the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was non-monetary and teachers were yet to benefit from past CBAs dating back to 2016.

This comes on the backdrop of Machogu telling teachers’ unions to be realistic with their demands in the wake of hard economic times.

“I call upon your [teachers’ unions] leaders to be realistic in reading the signs of the day, consult widely and ensure that all deliberations have the learners’ interests at heart, bearing in mind that our economy is currently in dire straits. I’m sure we will reach an agreement and move on as a country,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Nyanza Regional Director of Education Nelson Sifuna.

Speaking in Kisumu during the union’s 62nd Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) Oyuu disclosed that teachers in Kenya are among the lowest paid globally and thus they will not stop agitating for their rights.

Earlier, Oyuu asked the government to allocate enough budgetary resources in order to empower teachers professionally.

He further called for an independent body to handle disciplinary cases among teachers instead of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) which is their employer.

Oyuu said an independent body will be able to make more rational decisions.

The union boss further called for the need of teacher promotions to be based on academic qualifications and not on merit alone.