As the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) strike enters its fourth day, tensions between educators and the media are heating up. KUPPET officials have criticized Citizen TV for exposing what they call the “peanuts” salaries teachers receive, arguing that such actions have unfairly singled out the teaching profession while ignoring other sectors facing similar struggles.
In a strong rebuke, KUPPET questioned why Citizen TV had chosen to highlight the teachers’ pay but remained silent during previous strikes by doctors and nurses, whose salaries were never disclosed to the public in the same manner. “We see this as a deliberate attempt to undermine teachers and the essential role they play in society,” said one official. “Why were the salaries of doctors and nurses not exposed when they were on strike?”
The public airing of teacher salaries has drawn widespread reactions, with many sympathizing with the plight of the educators. However, KUPPET argues that the move by Citizen TV further complicates their struggle for fair pay and better working conditions, potentially deepening the divide between educators and the public.
The strike, which was called by KUPPET in response to unmet salary negotiations and poor working conditions, has already begun to disrupt education across the country. Thousands of teachers have downed tools, leaving many schools closed, and students in limbo. Despite calls from the government for the teachers to return to work, KUPPET remains firm in its stance, demanding that the government address their grievances before any negotiations can move forward.
The controversial Citizen TV report comes at a critical time when the focus should be on resolving the impasse, rather than inflaming tensions. KUPPET maintains that the teachers’ fight for better pay is justified, given the rising cost of living and the ever-increasing demands placed on the education sector. “Exposing our meager salaries does nothing but fuel unnecessary public scrutiny,” said a senior KUPPET official.
As the standoff continues, all eyes remain on both the government and the media. KUPPET has urged the media to handle such sensitive issues with care and fairness, emphasizing that teachers deserve respect and recognition for their contributions, just as much as any other professionals in the country.
For now, the strike shows no signs of abating, with KUPPET officials reaffirming their commitment to fighting for what they believe is a fair wage and a dignified future for all educators in Kenya.
