In a strongly worded statement released today, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing strike while addressing the unrest caused by certain individuals allegedly undermining the union’s efforts. The strike, which seeks to resolve several key issues affecting teachers, especially Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns, continues to be a point of contention between the union and the government.
The statement, signed by KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori, directly responded to claims by individuals on social media who purported to represent JSS leaders. These individuals, according to KUPPET, had implied that the union had granted permission for them to engage with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in negotiations, claims which KUPPET has since denounced.
Misori emphasized that these individuals were not acting on behalf of the union and accused them of attempting to dilute the strike’s impact. “We wish to distance ourselves from such individuals who are being used to pull back the milestones we have made so far,” the statement read.
KUPPET’s Stance on JSS Interns and Ongoing Strike
KUPPET has been vocal about its demands regarding the confirmation of JSS interns. Among the six irreducible minimums presented by the union to the government is the immediate and unconditional confirmation of the 46,000 interns currently serving across the country. According to KUPPET, no agreement has been reached with the government on this matter, despite several negotiation attempts.
The union clarified that negotiations with the government were still ongoing, with a crucial meeting scheduled for today. In light of this, Misori urged all JSS interns to allow the union to handle the matter as a labour dispute, assuring them that their interests were being actively pursued at the negotiation table.
KUPPET stressed the need for solidarity among its members, particularly JSS teachers and interns, at this critical time. The statement reiterated that the strike was protected by law, and as such, all interns were covered by the union’s protections. “We advise those individuals to allow the union to explore this matter as a labour dispute and as such shun from issuing misleading statements to the interns,” Misori added.
Misinformation on Social Media
The rise of social media platforms has created a new challenge for unions like KUPPET. With various individuals claiming to represent different factions of the teaching body, false information can spread rapidly. Misori’s statement targeted those spreading misleading content, particularly concerning the union’s stance on the strike and its negotiations with the TSC.
The union has made it clear that no external individuals, particularly those claiming to be JSS national leaders, have been authorized to engage with the TSC on their behalf. KUPPET, as the legally recognized representative of the teachers, remains the only body empowered to negotiate with the government on matters affecting its members.
Misori called for unity among teachers, warning that such misinformation could weaken the collective bargaining power of the union. He also expressed confidence that with the union’s continued efforts, a favourable resolution to the dispute could be reached.
The Struggle for Teachers’ Rights
The ongoing strike is a continuation of the broader struggle for teachers’ rights in Kenya. The issues at the core of the current dispute include the confirmation of the 46,000 interns, better working conditions, salary increments, and the implementation of government policies that directly affect the livelihoods of teachers.
KUPPET has been at the forefront of advocating for the improvement of these conditions, and the union’s leadership has made it clear that they will not back down until the government meets their demands. The strike has gained widespread support from teachers across the country, with numerous protests and picket lines organized by KUPPET members in various counties.
As the strike continues, the union remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached soon. KUPPET has emphasized the importance of maintaining solidarity among its members, stating that their collective action will be critical in achieving the changes they seek.
Government’s Response
The government, through the Teachers Service Commission, has maintained that it is committed to finding a solution to the ongoing impasse. However, it has urged patience from the teachers and the unions, pointing to the ongoing negotiations as a sign of goodwill.
The TSC has expressed concern about the strike’s impact on the education sector, particularly as the country grapples with the challenges posed by the implementation of the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The Commission has assured the public that it is working diligently to resolve the issues at hand and called on teachers to return to work as negotiations continue.
However, KUPPET remains firm, asserting that until their demands are fully met, the strike will persist. The union’s leadership has vowed to continue fighting for the rights of teachers and interns, warning the government that any attempt to undermine the strike will be met with increased resolve.
The Way Forward
As negotiations between KUPPET and the government continue, the fate of thousands of teachers and interns hangs in the balance. KUPPET’s latest communication emphasizes the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, reminding its members that their rights are worth fighting for.
The union’s leadership has also called on the government to act swiftly to address the concerns raised by the teachers, particularly the confirmation of JSS interns. For now, the strike continues, and all eyes remain on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.
