Learning in third term to be paralyzed as teachers threaten to strike

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) chairperson Omboko Milemba has announced that teachers will begin their strike on August 26, 2024 for failure of the government to implement the second phase of 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement(CBA) which was scheduled to begin in July 2024.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Milemba said that schools will remain closed adding that the unresolved issues and lack of commitments from the government have driven the unions to take drastic measures.

He added that the rare show of unity between the Kenya National Union of Teachers(KNUT) and KUPPET is because the teachers who have remained patient despite a lack of commitment and delayed payments are now left with no option but to down their tools.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour Alfred Mutua initiated discussions with the KNUT officials to resolve the looming teachers’ strike.

Details on the grievances raised by KUPPET.

Among other issues, teachers want the Government to implement the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2021-2025. According to Kuppet, the unresolved issues of teacher’s medical scheme, unremitted third-party deductions, and stagnation of promotions have created an unbearable situation for members.

Kuppet says the proposed nationwide strike on 26th August is a last resort, and urge the government to take their grievances seriously and address them with the urgency they deserve.

The union says that the employer’s (Teachers Service Commission) inaction is tantamount to contempt of court and has demoralized members, undermining their morale and productivity.

In summary, the union demands a comprehensive review of career progression to eliminate stagnation and ensure a fair and equitable promotion structure.

Specifically, they propose that:

Job Group C5 be the entry point for Deputy Principals, and Job Group D2 for Principals.

The 46,000 Intern Junior School teachers be confirmed in their positions as promised by the government.

Diploma holders be granted automatic progression from Job Group C2 to C3 after three years, similar to degree holders.

Teachers who have upgraded to degree holders have their status and salaries adjusted accordingly.

Teachers with master’s and doctorate degrees be motivated and have their terms improved.

Job Group C4/C5 teachers be considered for Deputy/Principal positions in Junior Schools.

Teachers who have acted in administrative roles be compensated and remunerated as per the law.