The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has declared a major strike set to begin in September, raising concerns about the future of education in Kenya.
The union is frustrated with the government's continuous budget cuts and unfulfilled promises, which have severely impacted the education sector.
KUPPET's secretary general, Akello Misori, expressed the union's disappointment over the government's failure to implement the promised salary increments under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Teachers were expecting a pay increase in July, which did not materialize. This, coupled with ongoing reductions in the education budget, has left teachers feeling neglected and undervalued.
"The government must honor its commitments to the teachers. We cannot continue to work under these conditions," Misori stated.
He emphasized that the promised hiring of 46,000 intern teachers and 20,000 new teachers, as well as the necessary training for current teachers, have all been put on hold due to budget constraints.
The strike, planned for September when schools are set to reopen, is likely to cause significant disruptions.
The education sector is already struggling with inadequate staffing and resources, and a strike would exacerbate these issues. Parents, students, and other stakeholders are worried about the potential negative impact on learning.
"This strike will affect our children's education. The government needs to find a solution quickly," said a concerned parent.
Adding to the tension is the recent firing of 724 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). These teachers were dismissed for participating in a strike earlier this year.
The TSC cited professional misconduct, as the teachers had abandoned their duties from May 13 to June 6 while engaged as intern teachers.
The commission explained that it had followed due process, sending show-cause letters to 10,348 JSS teachers who participated in the strike.
However, only 9,606 responded within the given two-week timeframe. Those who failed to respond or provide satisfactory explanations were terminated.
KUPPET has strongly condemned the TSC's actions, arguing that the firings were unfair and further demonstrate the government's disregard for teachers' rights and concerns.
Misori pointed out that the teachers were merely exercising their right to protest against poor working conditions and inadequate pay.
"The government should be addressing the root causes of the teachers' dissatisfaction instead of punishing them for standing up for their rights," Misori argued.
The union is calling on the government to immediately address the budget cuts and fulfill its promises to the teachers. KUPPET is also urging the government to reinstate the fired teachers and ensure that the terms of the CBA are honored.
"We need immediate action from the government. The future of our education system is at stake," Misori warned.
So far, the government has not issued a detailed response to KUPPET's demands. However, the Ministry of Education has acknowledged the challenges facing the sector and has promised to engage with the union to find a solution.
"We are aware of the issues raised by KUPPET and are committed to addressing them. We will be holding discussions with the union representatives to find a way forward," a ministry spokesperson said.
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