Schools sending students home as teachers’ strike enters second week

A spot check by Citizen Digital found that schools in Machakos and Nakuru, Meru, Kirinyaga Counties have sent students home. 

Addressing the press in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) branch chairperson Sosten Bellat urged parents to withdraw their children from schools as teachers will continue with the strike until their demands are fulfilled.

Bellat argued that indiscipline cases have risen in secondary schools as students stay without teachers, adding that the government is intentionally avoiding discussions with teachers. 

In Meru, students were seen in bus stops heading home. Parents have condemned government’s inaction during a crucial time when candidates are preparing for national exams. 

Elsewhere in Nakuru, Jomo Kenyatta boys high school has closed indefinitely as the school Principal Philip Waweru cited excess pressure from students and growing unrest. 

Machakos School also sent students home after unrest on Sunday night. According to one of school administrators who sought anonymity the students became unruly but did not vandalize property.

Secondary school teachers are on streets for the second week accusing the government of failing to honour their second phase of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

In Kirinyaga teachers led by KUPPET Executive Secretary Njogu Mbui took over the streets of Kutus town and have vowed to continue boycotting work until their grievances are addressed.

They are accusing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of failing to honour their promises to release Ksh.13.3 billion to implement the second phase of the CBA which was negotiated. 

Learning in secondary schools have been paralysed as the union urges parents to take care of their children.

Cyrus Shollim, Johnson Muriithi, Evans Asiba, Mugure Riungu contributed to this report.