Bomet, Kenya — In a dramatic display of discontent, striking teachers affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) were captured on camera vandalizing a Teachers Service Commission (TSC) billboard in Bomet County. The incident unfolded amid escalating tensions between the teachers and TSC, as educators across the region demanded improved working conditions and better pay.
The teachers, visibly frustrated, carried pieces of the defaced billboard through the streets, drawing the attention of onlookers. This act of vandalism marked a significant moment in the ongoing strike, which has seen teachers across the country voicing their grievances against TSC. The teachers were protesting what they described as unsatisfactory wages, inadequate medical coverage, and a double deduction on their health insurance premiums. Additionally, they demanded the confirmation of intern teachers who have been serving in various schools without permanent employment status.
The strike, which began earlier this month, has gained momentum as KUPPET members push for the resolution of their long-standing issues with TSC. According to the teachers, their salaries have remained stagnant despite the rising cost of living, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. “We are paid peanuts, yet we are expected to educate the future leaders of this nation,” one teacher lamented during the protest.
Another key issue raised by the striking teachers is the medical cover provided by TSC. Many teachers claim that the cover is insufficient to cater to their healthcare needs and those of their families. They also highlighted the controversial double deduction on health insurance, which has further strained their already limited income. “We are deducted twice for a service that doesn’t even meet our basic medical needs,” a protesting teacher remarked.
KUPPET has also been pushing for the confirmation of intern teachers, some of whom have been working under temporary contracts for years. These teachers have expressed frustration over the lack of job security and the uncertainty surrounding their future employment.
As the strike continues, the vandalism of the TSC billboard in Bomet is likely to increase tensions between the teachers and the government. While the teachers remain adamant in their demands, TSC has yet to respond to the incident or address the teachers’ grievances.
The ongoing protests highlight the need for urgent intervention by the government to resolve the issues facing the education sector in Kenya. With the strike showing no signs of abating, many are now calling for dialogue between KUPPET and TSC to ensure that the country’s education system does not suffer further disruptions.
