KNUT, TSC urged to embrace dialogue as rift on teachers strike widens

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the commission that employs the tutors have been asked to embrace dialogue to avert looming teachers strike.

Speaking at St. Peters’ Cathedral in Siaya County during the new year’s service, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Reverend Joel Atong’ said there is need for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and KNUt officials to compromise.

He urged them to sit together and find lasting solutions on the contentious issues that may affect reopening of schools.

According to Atong’, learners have stayed at home long enough during the December holidays and if the strike continues they will be the major losers.

He stated that the issue of delocalisation can be resolved amicably without affecting learners’ academic progress.

The cleric further said the commission should have considered preparing the teachers it intended to transfer so as to give them enough time to organize themselves, adding that their families are likely to be affected by the process.

Elsewhere, Kirinyaga branch KNUT officials have vowed to support the national wide strike called by their union’s National Secretary General Wilson Sossion.

Speaking on Tuesday in Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga County KNUT Executive Secretary Javan Wachira, said their employer ignored President Uhuru Kenyatta’s advice on teachers who were willing to be transferred, and the time to pay has come.

Wachira urged the president to intervene again on delocalisation policy saying teachers are suffering in Kirinyaga county after 11 headteachers and 21 principals were transferred to Nyeri and Meru counties.

He vowed to mobilise over 4000 teachers in Kirinyaga county despite threats from TSC.

The sentiments were echoed by Transmara East and West KNUT branch Secretary Willy Korir who advised parents not to waste their money taking their sons and daughters to school.

Korir further urged all parents across the country to support the teachers for their quest for justice.

Report by George Amolo, Andrew Langat and Johnson Muriiithi