Kenya’s education sector continues to face significant disruption as the strike by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) enters its fourth week on Monday. The strike, initiated over poor working conditions, the status of intern teachers, and the need for a review of career progression guidelines, shows no signs of resolution, according to union insiders.
Strike Stems from Unmet Demands
KUPPET, which represents teachers in secondary schools, has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The union’s key demands include better working conditions and the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers who have been serving in schools across the country. These interns have played a vital role in supporting Kenya’s overburdened education system, but their temporary status has long been a point of contention.
The union is also pressing for a review of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPGs), which outline the criteria for teachers’ promotions and professional development. KUPPET members argue that the current guidelines are restrictive and fail to provide clear pathways for career advancement, leading to frustrations among educators.
Unanimous Decision by National Governing Council
The strike was endorsed unanimously by KUPPET’s National Governing Council (NGC), which represents teachers’ interests at the national level. A source close to the union, speaking to K47 Digital News, reaffirmed the determination of union members to continue their strike until their demands are met.
“Our strike is on. We will brief you after finishing. It was resolved unanimously by all the NGC members,” the source said.
Teachers’ Frustration Grows
As the strike drags on, many teachers have expressed their growing frustration with the TSC’s lack of responsiveness. The union accuses the TSC of failing to adequately address concerns related to the welfare and career advancement of teachers. With no meaningful negotiations taking place, the teachers’ grievances have continued to escalate.
“We are not asking for the impossible. We simply want fair treatment and a chance to build our careers without the uncertainty that comes with temporary contracts and vague guidelines,” said one teacher who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.
Impact on Students and Schools
The strike has had a significant impact on secondary school students across Kenya. Thousands of learners have been left without teachers, disrupting the academic calendar and causing anxiety among parents. The ongoing strike is particularly concerning for students preparing for national examinations, such as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Many of these students have been left to study on their own, with limited guidance from their teachers.
“We are worried about the upcoming exams. We have been doing our best to prepare, but without the support of our teachers, it’s difficult,” said a Form 4 student from Nairobi.
Schools, already grappling with limited resources, are struggling to manage the absence of teachers. In some cases, principals have stepped in to teach classes, but this has not been enough to cover the gaps left by striking educators.
Government Response
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Education, has called on KUPPET to return to the negotiating table and end the strike. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu recently urged teachers to resume work for the sake of students’ education, while promising that their grievances would be addressed.
“We recognize the important role that teachers play in our education system, and we are committed to finding a solution to this impasse. However, we must ensure that learning continues uninterrupted,” Machogu said in a statement last week.
Despite these reassurances, there has been little progress in talks between the government, the TSC, and KUPPET. The union remains firm in its demands, insisting that substantive action must be taken before teachers will consider returning to work.
Growing Support for KUPPET
KUPPET’s stance has garnered support from other unions and education stakeholders, who argue that the issues raised by the union are long-standing and deserve immediate attention. Some have called on the government to prioritize the education sector and provide the necessary resources to improve working conditions for teachers.
“We stand in solidarity with KUPPET. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,” said a representative from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
Conclusion
As the strike continues into its fourth week, the future of Kenya’s education sector remains uncertain. With both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions, the standoff shows no signs of easing. For now, students, parents, and teachers alike must brace themselves for further disruption as the dispute between KUPPET and the TSC drags on.
The ongoing strike highlights the deep-seated challenges facing Kenya’s education system, and it remains to be seen whether meaningful progress can be made in resolving these critical issues. Until then, the education of thousands of students across the country remains in limbo.
