Top KUPPET (Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers) officials took to the field today, Tuesday, to enforce the union’s ongoing industrial action by physically escorting teachers out of classrooms in various schools. This strike, which began after failed negotiations between KUPPET and the government, has seen demonstrations and picketing escalate across the country. One such incident, which was captured on video and shared by K47 Digital News, took place at Bwake Boys and Girls Secondary Schools in Trans Nzoia County. The video vividly shows KUPPET leadership removing teachers from their classrooms, emphasizing the union’s determination to ensure that the strike is observed by all members.
KUPPET Leadership Takes Firm Action
The video footage shows top KUPPET officials escorting teachers out of class in Bwake Boys and Girls schools. The teachers who were found teaching were advised not to return to class until the government “behaves in a manner of respecting teachers,” as one union leader was heard saying in the clip. The union leadership made it clear that, during an ongoing industrial action, teachers should not be seen in or around school premises.
KUPPET leaders in Trans Nzoia County underscored their commitment to enforcing the strike, pointing out that teachers should not be taking instructions from their employers during this period. Instead, all directives should come directly from the union. The teachers who continued teaching despite the strike were strongly condemned by the union leadership, with some being accused of betrayal for not standing in solidarity with their colleagues.
Escalation of Tensions
The union called for the nationwide strike after what they described as the government’s failure to meet their demands, which include better remuneration, improved working conditions, and the protection of teachers’ rights. The union has consistently expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment to addressing these concerns.
The growing tension has seen several schools across the country experience disruptions as the strike gains momentum. Teachers aligned with KUPPET have called out their colleagues who continue teaching, accusing them of undermining the union’s efforts. According to the union, when an industrial action is called, teachers are only to receive instructions from the union, not their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). In fact, a strong message from the union reads, “Mwalimu yeyote asionekane akitembea kana kwamba anataka kukaribia shule,” (translated as “No teacher should be seen walking as though they intend to approach a school”).
Disruption in Bwake Schools
The incident at Bwake Boys and Girls Schools has highlighted the deepening crisis in the education sector, as KUPPET ramps up efforts to ensure the strike is observed nationwide. Bwake teachers were among the first to be fished out of classrooms by union leaders, and the video clip of this event has gained traction online, garnering reactions from across the country. In this clip, KUPPET leaders can be seen walking from class to class, speaking firmly to teachers and advising them to leave immediately.
One of the striking aspects of the footage was the evident tension between those enforcing the strike and the teachers who were reluctant to join in. Some of these teachers had to be physically escorted out, while others left voluntarily after being approached by the union officials. The situation has sparked heated debates on social media, with some sympathizing with the teachers who remained in class, while others accused them of undermining the union’s cause.
Government Response and Labour Court’s Intervention
The government, through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), has taken the matter to court, arguing that the strike is unlawful and disruptive to students’ education. The TSC has cited the urgent need to maintain continuity in learning as the country prepares for national examinations. In response to the government’s legal action, the Labour Court issued a temporary injunction, halting the strike pending further investigation.
The case is scheduled for mention in September, and while the court temporarily stopped the strike, KUPPET has vowed to continue its activities in defiance of the ruling. Union officials have reiterated that the government must fulfill their demands, or they will not back down.
In light of the court ruling, many schools are now in a state of confusion, with some teachers unsure of whether to heed the court’s directive or follow the union’s instructions. The court case is set to be a critical juncture in the ongoing dispute between KUPPET and the government, with potentially far-reaching implications for the education sector.
The Stakes for Teachers and Students
As the strike continues, the implications for both teachers and students are becoming increasingly severe. Teachers participating in the strike risk losing their salaries, while students face extended disruptions to their education. For students preparing for national exams, the timing of the strike could not be worse. Schools across the country have already lost valuable teaching time, and if the strike continues into September, the impact on students’ performance could be significant.
For KUPPET, the stakes are equally high. Union leaders have stressed that they will not back down until their demands are met, positioning this strike as a pivotal moment in the fight for teachers’ rights in Kenya. However, with the government digging in its heels and the legal process now underway, it remains unclear how long the strike will last or whether a resolution will be reached in time to prevent further damage to the education system.
Conclusion
The incident at Bwake Boys and Girls Schools highlights the growing tension between teachers and the government as the nationwide strike called by KUPPET gains momentum. As KUPPET officials continue to enforce the strike by removing teachers from classrooms, the education sector faces an uncertain future. With the Labour Court temporarily halting the strike and further legal proceedings set to take place, the standoff between the union and the government is far from over. The outcome of this conflict will likely have far-reaching consequences for teachers, students, and the broader education system in Kenya.
