As the academic calendar nears its opening day, tension is escalating within Kenya’s education sector. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have issued a list of irreducible minimums that the government must meet to avert a nationwide teachers’ strike. This ultimatum has raised concerns among parents, students, and other stakeholders who fear the disruption of learning if these demands are not addressed promptly.
The unions have presented five key demands that they insist must be met for the strike to be called off. These include:
- Full Implementation of the 2nd Phase of Addendum CBA: KUPPET and KNUT demand the complete execution of the second phase of the addendum Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The unions emphasize that any deviation from the agreed terms will lead to the continuation of the strike. The CBA, which was negotiated to improve teachers’ salaries and working conditions, is seen as a critical element in addressing the longstanding grievances within the teaching profession.
- Confirmation of Junior Secondary School Interns: Another major demand is the immediate confirmation of all Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns by the opening day. The unions argue that failure to confirm even a single intern will result in the strike persisting. This demand highlights the unions’ concern over job security and the professional development of young teachers.
- Allocation of KSh 15 Billion Towards Teachers’ Comprehensive Medical Cover: KUPPET and KNUT are pushing for the allocation of KSh 15 billion to provide a comprehensive medical cover for teachers. The unions insist that adequate healthcare is a fundamental right and that the government must prioritize the well-being of educators. Without this allocation, the unions warn that the strike will proceed.
- Allocation of KSh 1.5 Billion for Promotions: The unions also demand the allocation of KSh 1.5 billion, initially proposed for teacher promotions. KUPPET and KNUT argue that promotions are essential for career progression and motivation among teachers. The unions stress that without these funds, many deserving teachers will continue to stagnate in their current positions, which could demoralize the entire teaching force.
- Release of All Third-Party Deductions: Finally, the unions demand the release of all third-party deductions to various institutions. This includes deductions for loans, insurance, and other financial commitments that have not been remitted. The unions assert that the failure to release these funds has caused significant financial strain on teachers and that resolving this issue is non-negotiable.
The unions have made it clear that the failure to meet any of these demands will result in the continuation of the strike. One source within the unions, speaking to K47 Digital News, expressed frustration with the government’s response, stating, “That relative calm and peaceful time this man Omboko Milemba is talking about is the time the union went to bed with government and rain started beating us. Ten years down the line with nothing he can show us. The only language that government hears is strike.”
This strong stance by KUPPET and KNUT underscores the growing discontent among teachers, who feel that their concerns have been ignored for too long. As the deadline for meeting these demands approaches, all eyes will be on the government to see if it will take the necessary steps to avert what could be a crippling strike in the education sector. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether students across the country will return to class or remain at home as teachers take to the streets to fight for their rights.
