7 August 2024
In a historic move, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have united to address the pressing issues faced by teachers across the country. Both unions have jointly issued a statement outlining their demands and have announced a planned nationwide strike if their grievances are not addressed within seven days.
Key Issues Highlighted by KUPPET and KNUT:
- Implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The unions demand the full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in June 2021 and amended in August 2023. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has failed to implement Phase Two of the Addendum effective from 1 July 2024, which includes remitting the teachers’ emoluments for July 2024. KUPPET and KNUT urge the TSC to honor its legal obligations by immediately disbursing the basic salaries and allowances as stipulated in the agreement.
- Conversion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teachers and Employment of New Teachers: The unions are calling for the immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms effective 1 July 2024. Additionally, they demand the recruitment and appointment of 20,000 new teachers to address the severe shortage in Junior Secondary Schools. This measure aims to ensure that the education system operates smoothly and efficiently.
- Promotion of Stagnated Teachers: A significant number of teachers, approximately 130,000, have stagnated in their current job grades. Despite being shortlisted and interviewed for new grades in 2023, their promotions have been stalled due to budgetary constraints. The unions demand the immediate confirmation of these promotions within the current financial year, emphasizing the need to reward the dedication and hard work of these educators.
- Teachers’ Medical Cover: The unions express grave concerns regarding the teachers’ medical cover. Despite the government’s allocation of Sh15 billion towards the teachers’ medical scheme, the TSC has failed to fulfill its obligations to insurance partners. The reduction in the current Appropriations Act by Sh11.9 billion will severely impact the benefits provided to teachers, cutting them by 50 percent. KUPPET and KNUT insist that the TSC must source additional funds to restore and maintain the healthcare services essential for teachers’ well-being.
- Non-Remittance of Loans and National Social Security Fund (NSSF): Since the commencement of the Finance Act 2023, the TSC has been deducting NSSF contributions from teachers’ salaries without remitting them to the fund. Furthermore, funds deducted for third-party agents, including commercial banks, have not been remitted since June 2024. This failure exposes teachers to non-compliance sanctions and financial embarrassment. The unions demand that the TSC immediately rectify these omissions and ensure compliance with its responsibilities.
- Commitment on New CBA Round: With less than a year remaining in the 2021-2025 CBA, the TSC has yet to engage in negotiations for the next round. Both unions have outlined their demands, including postgraduate allowances, per diems for games teachers, risk allowances for science teachers, and special duty and acting allowances for teachers not substantially appointed. KUPPET and KNUT stress the need for a structured platform to negotiate these issues within the CBA framework.
Deadline and Strike Notice:
Given the severity of these grievances and their impact on the stability of the education sector, KUPPET and KNUT have issued an ultimatum to the TSC. They have given the commission seven days to address each of the outlined issues satisfactorily. Failure to do so will result in a nationwide strike starting on Monday, 26 August 2024.
Signatories:
- Bro Maurice Akelo Misori (KUPPET)
- Bro Henry Collins Oyuu (KNUT)
- Bro Omboko Milemba (KUPPET)
The joint statement underscores the unified stance of KUPPET and KNUT in advocating for the rights and welfare of teachers in Kenya. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the TSC to see if they can avert the impending strike by addressing the critical issues raised by the unions. The resolution of these matters is crucial not only for the teachers but also for the broader education sector and the future of Kenya’s students.
