A wave of confusion swept through the education sector today as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) announced the withdrawal of its planned strike, while the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) remained steadfast in its decision to proceed with its own strike action.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu addressed the media on Sunday, August 25, 2024, revealing that the union had decided to call off the strike scheduled to begin tomorrow, August 26, 2024.
“The NEC has agreed to withdraw the strike action notice, which was set to expire at midnight today, as we have begun addressing the remaining matters administratively,” Oyuu said.
He directed all KNUT-affiliated teachers to resume their duties effective Monday, emphasizing that the decision was made in light of recent developments aimed at resolving outstanding issues.
However, shortly after KNUT’s announcement, KUPPET’s National Governing Council (NGC) reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the nationwide strike as planned.
In a statement released later in the evening, KUPPET emphasized that despite the government’s recent efforts, including the last-minute appointment of a conciliator from the Ministry of Labour, there had been insufficient progress to warrant a postponement.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori voiced the union’s frustrations, highlighting that the government’s attempts to mediate had not addressed the immediate concerns of the teachers.
“The government’s last-minute intervention does not address our members’ urgent needs. We are committed to protecting their rights and ensuring their demands are met,” Misori stated.
The key demands driving KUPPET’s strike include:
- Full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA);
- Immediate confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers into permanent and pensionable positions;
- Promotion of 130,000 stagnated teachers to new grades;
- Restoration of the Teachers Medical Scheme to its original limits;
- Recruitment of 20,000 new teachers for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS);
- Initiation of discussions on the next CBA round with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The NGC’s decision to move forward with the strike was supported by a decisive vote, with 68 out of 73 members in favor, underscoring the union’s commitment to fair labor practices and improved working conditions.
KUPPET also criticized recent remarks by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Hon. John Mbadi, who suggested that the government could not afford to employ the 46,000 intern teachers on permanent terms. The union urged the CS to realign government spending priorities to better support education.
As the strike looms, KUPPET has pledged to support participating teachers through the action period, providing guidance and resources to navigate the challenges that may arise.
The union has also warned school principals against opening schools during the strike, stressing the significant impact the absence of teachers will have on students.
While KNUT has opted to call off its strike, KUPPET remains resolute in its pursuit of teachers’ rights and fair treatment, urging all stakeholders to support their cause as the nationwide strike is set to begin tomorrow.
