Post-primary school teachers begin nationwide strike as talks stall

The strike began on the first day of the third term, with teachers staying away from classrooms and taking to the streets in protest. 

Despite pleas from the government for the union to call off the industrial action and return to schools pending further discussions, the strike continues.

As the clock struck midnight, members of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) followed through on their threat to down tools and stage protests, demanding that the government address their concerns.

From Busia to Baringo, Machakos to Meru, post-primary teachers across the country refrained from entering classrooms. 

In some cases, teachers showed up at schools, not to teach, but to ensure that no learning was taking place. They are determined to have issues related to their welfare and well-being resolved before returning to work.

KUPPET Secretary-General Nyamira Branch, Lewis Nyakweba, and KUPPET Executive Secretary Nyeri Branch, Francis Wanjohi, expressed the union's resolve to stand firm until their demands are met.

The strike was prompted by the Teachers Service Commission's (TSC) failure to address a list of ten demands outlined in the union's strike notice earlier this month. 

These demands include the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the promotion of teachers, the absorption of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on a permanent basis, and the reinstatement of their medical cover. However, the government argues that these issues should not be the basis for the strike.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogwambo Migos stated that concerns regarding access to medical cover, career progression guidelines, and promotions are already being addressed administratively by the TSC.

Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Belio Kipsang, urged teachers to report to school as the government has addressed most of their grievances.

The Ministry of Education is calling on striking teachers to reconsider their actions as schools reopen, emphasizing that the third term is a crucial period in the academic calendar, especially for high school students preparing for national assessments and examinations.

CS Migos reiterated the importance of this term, highlighting that learners are preparing for critical national assessments and exams. PS Kipsang also mentioned that the government has already disbursed capitation funds to schools.

Despite these appeals, the teachers insist that they will not return to the classroom until all their grievances are resolved. 

The union's national leadership held a day-long meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Labour in an attempt to resolve the issues, but the meeting ended in a deadlock over the teachers' medical cover and the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers.

The Ministry of Education is expected to meet with the union again between Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to reach a resolution.