Nairobi, Kenya – September 2, 2024: The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially called off the nationwide teachers’ strike that paralyzed learning for an entire week. The decision comes after an intensive meeting between KUPPET officials and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), where both parties sought to address the grievances that led to the industrial action.
According to KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori, the union’s leadership decided to comply with a court order that mandated the strike to be called off. In a press briefing, Misori assured the public that teachers would resume their duties immediately, bringing an end to the disruption of learning in schools across the country.
Speaking at the same press conference, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia expressed her relief over the resolution of the strike, stressing that no teacher would be victimized for participating in the industrial action. “The Teachers Service Commission is committed to ensuring that no teacher will face repercussions for their involvement in the strike,” Macharia said, signaling the commission’s intent to foster a peaceful working relationship with educators.
Macharia also provided an update on the fulfillment of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that had been a significant sticking point in the strike. “Most of the items in the CBA have been addressed. The remaining issues will be resolved with speed,” she emphasized, adding that the TSC was keen on ensuring teachers’ demands were met.
The strike, which began a week ago, disrupted learning for hundreds of thousands of students in public secondary schools across the country. The key grievances included delays in pay raises, unfulfilled promises regarding allowances, and unsatisfactory working conditions. Despite these challenges, both KUPPET and TSC appeared committed to resolving the remaining issues amicably.
Parents and students alike have expressed relief at the calling off of the strike, which had put immense pressure on families and disrupted academic schedules.
As teachers head back to class, all eyes are on the TSC to see how swiftly it will address the unresolved parts of the CBA and ensure that such industrial actions do not recur in the future.
