In a bold statement, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collians Oyuu has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently confirm 46,000 intern teachers or risk facing severe consequences. Oyuu’s warning comes amid rising tensions between teachers’ unions and the government over employment terms and the implementation of the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Demand for Immediate Confirmation of Intern Teachers
Oyuu emphasized that the TSC must move quickly to finalize the employment status of 46,000 intern teachers. Speaking during a recent meeting, he stated that the union had been patient for long enough and that teachers had waited in good faith for the commission to fulfill its promises. He made it clear that if the TSC failed to act, “hell will break loose,” signaling potential disruptions in the education sector through industrial action.
The confirmation of the 46,000 intern teachers has been a long-standing issue that teachers’ unions have repeatedly brought up. These teachers, many of whom were employed as part of the government’s initiative to reduce the teacher-student ratio, are still waiting for permanent employment. Oyuu expressed concerns that this delay was creating unnecessary anxiety among the teachers, who are seeking job security and improved working conditions.
Grade Nine Still Domiciled in Primary Schools
On a related note, Oyuu addressed the ongoing confusion regarding the competency-based curriculum (CBC). He reiterated that grade nine, under the current CBC framework, is still domiciled in primary schools, contrary to suggestions that the system had undergone substantial changes.
This clarification comes at a time when parents and educators have raised concerns over the proper implementation of the CBC. Oyuu’s remarks serve to underscore that the education system’s restructuring, particularly for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), is still an ongoing process. The union’s position is that until there are significant changes made to the structure, teachers and parents should continue to operate under the assumption that grade nine will remain part of primary education.
2021 CBA and Future Negotiations
Beyond the immediate concerns of teacher confirmations and CBC implementation, Oyuu also highlighted the importance of the 2021 CBA. He noted that the full implementation of the 2021 agreement would pave the way for discussions on a new CBA, which is expected to further address the needs and concerns of teachers in Kenya.
According to Oyuu, the 2021 CBA was a significant achievement for the union, but there is still more to be done. He urged the government to focus on fulfilling its obligations under the current agreement before moving forward with new negotiations. Oyuu emphasized that honoring the agreement would not only improve teachers’ welfare but also create a foundation for future collaboration between the union and the government.
Call for Release of Ksh.1 Billion for Salary Increments
The Secretary General also turned his attention to the issue of salary increments for teachers. He called on the government to release the remaining Ksh.1 billion that was allocated for teacher salary increases. This money was part of the budget agreed upon during the negotiations leading to the 2021 CBA but has yet to be disbursed.
Oyuu stressed that the release of these funds was crucial for teachers across the country, many of whom are struggling with rising living costs. He noted that the delay in releasing the funds has caused significant hardship for teachers and that the union would continue to press the government to fulfill its financial commitments.
Tensions Rising in the Education Sector
The failure to confirm the 46,000 intern teachers and the delay in disbursing the promised salary increments have created a volatile situation within the education sector. Oyuu’s strong words suggest that if the TSC and the government do not act swiftly, there could be serious consequences, potentially including strikes and other forms of industrial action.
With the implementation of the CBC still in question, and teachers feeling increasingly unsupported, it is clear that the coming months will be critical for resolving these pressing issues. The KNUT remains a key player in advocating for teachers’ rights, and the union’s leadership will likely continue to apply pressure on the TSC and the government until their demands are met.
In the meantime, stakeholders across the education sector will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether the TSC will heed Oyuu’s warnings.
