Nairobi, Kenya, 31st August 2024 – The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has announced a crucial National Governing Council (NGC) meeting scheduled for 1st September 2024. The meeting will take place at Kasarani Sportsview Hotel, Nairobi, and will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. According to the invitation sent by the Secretary General, Mr. Akelo Misori, this meeting is expected to review the progress of the union strike, now entering its second week.
The ongoing strike, spearheaded by KUPPET, has created significant disruption within the education sector across the country. The teachers’ union, representing thousands of post-primary educators, launched the strike to push for better working conditions, improved pay, and fulfillment of prior agreements made with the government. These demands stem from ongoing grievances regarding teachers’ welfare, which have remained unresolved for several years.
Week One of the Strike: Key Issues Raised
During the first week of the strike, a range of critical issues emerged, with teachers lamenting the deteriorating conditions within the education sector. KUPPET members have voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of their demands, particularly around delayed salary reviews, lack of promotions, and underfunding of educational programs. Additionally, teachers have raised concerns over the growing workload due to increased student enrollment, which has not been matched by a proportional increase in teaching staff.
The union’s strike has seen widespread participation from its membership, with many schools being forced to close or operate at reduced capacity. The effects have been felt most acutely in public secondary schools, where teachers have walked out in solidarity with their union. Despite the disruption, KUPPET remains firm in its stance, maintaining that the strike will continue until their grievances are adequately addressed by the government.
What’s Next for KUPPET?
The upcoming NGC meeting will be a critical juncture for the union as it reviews the successes and challenges of the first week of industrial action. The meeting will also chart the course for the continuation of the strike, should the government fail to engage meaningfully with the union’s demands. According to union insiders, the review will focus on the effectiveness of the strike strategy so far and any potential modifications that need to be made moving forward.
KUPPET’s leadership has called for maximum participation from its members, urging all NGC members to be punctual for the meeting. “In solidarity, we must remain united,” Secretary General Akelo Misori stated in the memo sent out to union members. He further emphasized the importance of sticking to the union’s objectives and maintaining pressure on the government.
As the union prepares to enter its second week of industrial action, the outcome of Sunday’s meeting will likely set the tone for the next phase of negotiations with the government. While KUPPET has signaled its willingness to engage in dialogue, it remains resolute in its demands for concrete action.
Government’s Response
The government, on the other hand, has expressed concerns about the strike’s impact on education but has yet to make significant concessions. While some discussions between the union and government officials have taken place behind closed doors, little progress has been reported publicly. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has called for restraint, urging the union to return to the negotiation table while cautioning that the prolonged strike could have long-term consequences for students, especially those preparing for national exams.
However, KUPPET remains adamant that without tangible action, the strike will continue, potentially escalating further. The union’s stance reflects the growing frustration among educators who feel their concerns have been neglected for too long.
Conclusion
As KUPPET’s NGC prepares to meet this Sunday, all eyes will be on the outcome and the subsequent direction of the ongoing strike. With both the government and the union standing their ground, the coming days are critical for Kenya’s education sector. The hope among many is that a resolution can be found soon, to ensure that teachers and students alike can return to their classrooms without further delay. However, for now, the standoff continues, and KUPPET remains firm in its demands for change.
For more information on KUPPET’s strike and updates from the meeting, stay tuned to our coverage.
