The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially called off the teachers’ strike that began last week after a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday.
During a joint press conference, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia announced the suspension of the strike, noting that several key issues raised by the teachers were being addressed.
Misori confirmed that the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) had been honored, with payments made and medical cover restored. Regarding the promotion of teachers, Misori stated that the TSC is currently seeking funds to promote as many teachers as possible and is engaged in discussions about confirming teachers who are currently in acting positions.
The resolution of these matters marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the teaching fraternity and restoring normalcy in schools.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori assured that teachers who participated in the recent strike will not face any form of victimization. This reassurance comes after the union and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) reached an agreement that led to the suspension of the strike.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia emphasized the importance of teachers’ contributions and the need to prioritize students’ education. She acknowledged the hard work of teachers and explained that the meeting with unions was crucial to ensure that the lost instructional time is recovered.
Macharia also mentioned that while there is still much work to be done, significant progress has been made, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
The strike was originally initiated to push for the full implementation of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Although the government has begun implementing the second phase of the CBA, KUPPET has expressed concerns that the salary increments are still insufficient to meet the financial needs of teachers.
The discussions between KUPPET and TSC are ongoing as they work towards resolving these issues.
Despite the recent progress in negotiations, KUPPET has acknowledged some positive developments, including the government’s commitment to hiring more Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and ensuring proper remuneration for those serving in acting positions. These steps are seen as important, particularly given the increasing demands on teachers in the expanding education system.
However, KUPPET continues to emphasize that further action is required, particularly in the area of teacher promotions. The union insists that promoting teachers who have been in their current roles for extended periods without advancement is crucial for improving morale and ensuring that teachers are adequately recognized and compensated for their experience and contributions.
While the strike has been called off, KUPPET remains firm in its stance that these issues must be addressed comprehensively to fully resolve the teachers’ concerns.
