High schools across Kenya have been forced to shut down as the ongoing strike by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) enters its second week. With over 500 schools closed indefinitely, many students are being sent home amid growing tensions between teachers and the government. The strike, which began after the collapse of negotiations between KUPPET and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), has led to a severe shortage of teaching staff, leaving schools unable to continue regular operations.
The nationwide strike has escalated in recent days, with reports indicating that more schools are expected to close in the coming week. A source from K47 Digital News confirmed that the number of closures continues to rise as teachers refuse to return to work until their demands are met.
This significant disruption to the education sector comes as President William Samoei Ruto leaves the country on official duties, raising concerns about how the government will address the crisis in his absence.
Widespread School Closures
The strike has caused widespread chaos, particularly in Bungoma County, where several prominent schools have already closed their doors. Among the affected institutions are Chesamisi Boys, Bungoma Boys, Kibabii Boys, and Moi Girls. These closures have left thousands of students without access to education at a crucial time in the academic calendar.
Schools Closed in Bungoma County:
- Chesamisi Boys
- Bungoma Boys
- Kibabii Boys
- Kimilili Boys
- Moi Girls
- Kapsokwony Boys
- Kibuk Girls
- Kongit Secondary School
- Cheptais Boys
- Maeni Girls
- Khasoko Boys
- Misikhu Girls
- St. John Chepyuk
- Kimobo High
- Matili Friends
- Kibingei Secondary School
- Kimukungi Girls
- Milo Boys
- Maliki Boys
- Teremi Boys
These schools are just a small fraction of the hundreds affected across the country, as teachers continue to rally behind KUPPET’s demands for better working conditions.
KUPPET’s Demands and Government Response
KUPPET has made a series of demands, including the confirmation of intern teachers, a review of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), and an overhaul of the teachers’ medical insurance cover. The union has accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of neglecting their obligations to address these critical issues, despite being the employer of the affected teachers.
Wilson Sossion, KUPPET Secretary General, stated that the strike would continue until the government takes their grievances seriously. “We have been patient for too long. The TSC has ignored our demands, and teachers across the country are fed up. This strike is our only option to force them to listen,” he said during a press conference in Nairobi.
At the heart of the strike is the issue of intern teachers, who make up a significant portion of the teaching workforce in secondary schools. KUPPET has been pushing for their permanent employment, arguing that these educators are overworked and underpaid. Additionally, the union is seeking a revision of the Career Progression Guidelines, which they believe have stalled the advancement of teachers’ careers, leaving many without opportunities for promotion and better compensation.
KUPPET also criticized the current medical insurance scheme provided to teachers, claiming it is inadequate and does not meet the healthcare needs of its members. “The medical cover is subpar. Teachers are suffering because they cannot access quality healthcare for themselves and their families. This needs to be addressed immediately,” added Sossion.
Impact on Students and Schools
The ongoing strike has had a devastating effect on the education sector, particularly for students who were preparing for end-of-year exams. With high school closures across the country, there are growing fears that the academic calendar could be severely disrupted. Many parents are worried about the long-term effects of the strike on their children’s education.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact this strike will have on our children’s future,” said one parent in Bungoma County. “The government and KUPPET need to come to an agreement quickly so that our children can return to school.”
Stakeholders in the education sector have echoed these sentiments, calling on KUPPET and the TSC to find an amicable solution to the crisis. The Kenya National Parents Association has urged both parties to prioritize the welfare of students and come to a resolution as soon as possible.
Safety Concerns
In addition to the academic disruption, safety concerns have also emerged as a result of the strike. KUPPET has warned parents that they will not be held responsible for the safety of students who remain in schools while their members are on strike. The absence of teachers in schools has left many institutions vulnerable, raising fears of potential incidents involving unsupervised students.
“We cannot guarantee the safety of students during this strike,” said Sossion. “Without teachers in the classrooms, anything could happen. It is up to the government to ensure that this situation is resolved before it escalates further.”
Parents are now faced with difficult decisions about whether to keep their children at home or send them back to schools that may not have sufficient staff to ensure their well-being.
Government Stance and Future Negotiations
The government, on its part, has remained relatively quiet on the matter, with President Ruto yet to issue a formal statement on the strike. However, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has called for calm and urged teachers to return to work while negotiations with KUPPET continue.
“TSC is committed to finding a solution to the issues raised by KUPPET,” said Machogu in a recent press briefing. “We believe that dialogue is the best way forward, and we urge all stakeholders to come to the table and resolve this matter for the sake of our students.”
Despite these calls for calm, KUPPET has shown no signs of backing down. The union remains adamant that the strike will continue until all of their demands are addressed in full.
Conclusion
As the strike rages on, the future of Kenya’s education system hangs in the balance. With hundreds of schools closed and thousands of students left without teachers, the stakes are high for both the government and KUPPET. While the union continues to push for better conditions for its members, parents and students are caught in the crossfire, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.
Until both parties can come to an agreement, the uncertainty facing Kenya’s education sector is likely to persist, with long-term consequences for the country’s youth and their future prospects.
