Teachers Stage Demonstrations Across FOUR Counties In Kenya As Strike Begins
Teachers affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (Kuppet) have pledged not to return to class until the government meets their demands.
Teachers in Kisii, dressed in yellow shirts, demonstrated on Monday to show their support for the nationwide strike.
This is happening even as students return to school for the third term.
“Sisi kama walimu wa secondary school katika nchini Kenya, hatuendi shuleni (As secondary school teachers, we are not going to school),” they said.
KUPPET officials in Mombasa maintain that the teachers' strike will go on until their demands are met. pic.twitter.com/wCkOspHCpo
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) August 26, 2024
In Bungoma, teachers gathered at Bungoma High School to ensure that no teacher or student entered the compound.
“From here we are moving to other schools to ensure that they are closed,” their spokesperson said, advising parents not to send their children to schools.
They stated that they wanted the confirmation of 46,000 interns and the promotion of 130,000 teachers who conducted interviews.
Secondary school teachers in Bungoma criticised the Kenya National Union of Teachers for calling off the strike.
“I want to tell my colleagues in the primary sector, teachers who are affected and suffering like teachers in KUPPET, to come forward we participate in this strike together.”
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers have carried out demos in Eldoret insisting that they will remain on strike until the government meets their demands.https://t.co/X3cBHUHGin pic.twitter.com/FbD0QDHSyW
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) August 26, 2024
In Mombasa, teachers promised to continue assisting Junior Secondary School teachers.
They promised to continue striking until all of their demands were met.
“We are not going to relent. Hatuuziwi uoga, hatununui uoga, mwalimu lazima aheshimiwe,” the Kuppet official in Mombasa said.
Teachers in Eldoret protested the government’s decision to reduce their medical cover allocation from Sh22 billion to Sh11 billion.
Led by Kuppet Uasin Gishu branch Secretary Elijah Maiyo, they stated that “TSC and the government should also review our carrier progression before we return to work.”
The Kuppet members matched on the streets before delivering a memorandum of demands to the TSC office in Eldoret.
On Sunday, Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori stated that the “Strike (is) on”. Teachers have made six demands before they can return to school.
The implementation of Phase Two of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement appears to be the only issue that has been resolved, with five other issues still pending.
“After today’s discussions, the commission is pleased to announce that the government has provided funds for the implementation of the 2nd phase of the CBA with effect from 1st July 2024,” TSC said in a statement after Wednesday’s talks.
Other issues include confirming the permanent and pensionable employment of 46,000 Junior Secondary School teachers who are currently interning.
Other demands include the promotion of over 130,000 teachers who have been stagnant in one job group for ten years or more, as well as the elimination of third-party deductions.
Teachers also want medical funds transferred to the AON insurance scheme and retirement benefits paid out immediately to those who retire from public service.
As Kuppet continued with their plan to down their tools, Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu urged teachers to report to work.
“The government is committed to addressing teachers’ concerns,” said Oyuu.
Teachers Stage Demonstrations Across FOUR Counties In Kenya As Strike Begins
