A showdown between the government and teachers when schools reopen is shaping up after the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) signalled a nationwide strike from August 26, 2024. Union Secretary-General Akello Misori said the decision is informed by TSC's failure to honour their deal.
Kuppet’s National Governing Council (NGC) met Thursday at the Kasarani Gymnasium before issuing the decision. On the other hand, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) will hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday at its headquarters in Nairobi, with a national strike as its top agenda.
The impending industrial action stems from the government's failure to allocate Sh13.3 billion for the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a crucial agreement that was negotiated, signed, and deposited in court.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) had earlier convened meetings of their top decision-making bodies this week to finalise the strike plans.
Speaking during the extraordinary National Governing Council meeting , Mr Missori noted that the first phase of the CBA Addendum was dated back to July 2023 and implemented in August.
"Teachers missed their salary increment for July 2024 and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has turned a blind eye and ear to our demands , ignoring our pleas for better working conditions and fair compensation," Mr Missori stated.
The union has accused TSC of failing to open doors for negotiation for a new CBA which will succeed the 2021-2025 one.
"This blatant disregard for the wellbeing of teachers is unacceptable and can not be tolerated any longer.We deserve better, we deserve to be heard, and we deserve to be treated with respect," Mr Missori stated.
"TSC has compromised our Medical Insurance cover, putting our health and well being at risk. Many hospitals no longer honour the medical schemes for the teachers," Mr Missori said.
Labour CS Dr Alfred Mutua had earlier this week invited KNUT officials to a meeting where a raft of issues were discussed, with the planned strike being top on the list.
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, national chairman Patrick Karinga and James Nduku, another official, met Dr Mutua at the NSSF buildings. It was the first time the parties were meeting since the reconstitution of the Cabinet by President William Ruto.
“Even though the government is faced with a cash crunch with rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024, I will meet the TSC leadership to address the issue and we should be able to find a solution within the next one week,” Dr Mutua told the unionists.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Labour Shadrack Mwadime, Dr Mutua said he would collaborate with fellow Cabinet members and relevant government agencies to address the standoff.
