Kenya – September 2024 – Kenyan teachers are grappling with deep frustration following the abrupt suspension of their strike by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General, Akelo Misori. The strike, which had been gaining momentum in schools across the country, was prematurely called off, sparking anger and disillusionment among teachers.
The announcement came in a joint statement issued by Misori and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), where the KUPPET leader indicated that the union was complying with a court order issued the previous week. Misori explained that although many of the teachers’ demands remained unmet, the union had secured a few key benefits, including the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), medical cover funds submission to medical insurance, and third-party deduction funds. However, for many teachers, this explanation did little to assuage their dissatisfaction.
Confusion and Anger as Strike is Called Off
The strike’s sudden suspension has been met with widespread criticism from teachers across the country. Many expressed shock at the decision, particularly after union officials had indicated that the strike would escalate. Teachers took to social media platforms to voice their discontent, with many accusing the union leadership of betraying them.
One teacher expressed confusion over the strike’s suspension, stating:
“The strike is suspended—what does this mean? The National Governing Council (NGC) resolution yesterday was for a firmer, harder, and deeper metamorphosed strike. What transpired in the last 18 hours?“
The sentiment of confusion is widespread among teachers, particularly regarding the role of the NGC in the decision-making process. Another teacher questioned the legitimacy of the decision:
“What circumstances can lead to an agreement to suspend a strike without involving the NGC? When did the mandate of the NGC change?“
These comments reflect the growing distrust between teachers and their union leadership. Many teachers feel that the decision to call off the strike was made hastily and without proper consultation.
Teachers’ Unfulfilled Demands
The teachers’ frustrations stem from the fact that many of their demands have yet to be addressed by the TSC. Key issues remain unresolved, including the plight of Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns, who have been left in a precarious situation. Despite the contract extension, many teachers view the internship program as a form of casual labor, offering little in terms of long-term job security or benefits.
One teacher commented:
“Have JSS interns featured anywhere in the return-to-work formula? They have been mocked by contract extension. However, TSC is careful—internship is illegal and does not exist. They are hired casuals and cannot form a basis for negotiation.”
Other unresolved issues include the stagnation of teacher promotions, the failure to address the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) issues, and the delay in resolving medical service problems. Teachers have also raised concerns about double deductions from their pay, corruption in teacher employment, and the failure to provide adequate administration allowances for those in acting capacities.
These grievances have only deepened the sense of betrayal felt by teachers, who now believe that KUPPET has become more focused on its own interests than those of its members.
Union’s Leadership Criticized
The criticism directed towards KUPPET’s leadership has intensified in the wake of the strike suspension. Teachers are increasingly viewing the union as being out of touch with the needs and concerns of its members. Many believe that the union’s leadership, comprised of retirees and politicians, lacks the firsthand experience necessary to effectively represent the interests of active teachers.
One frustrated teacher stated:
“KUPPET union is supposed to defend the interests of its members, but from the strike happenings, it’s clear KUPPET officials have been using teachers to score their own benefits. They have left us in limbo, with no hope or faith in the union.”
Another teacher shared similar sentiments:
“It’s now time for us to reclaim our union back to the teachers. The current national leadership has failed us. We need leaders who are still active in the teaching profession and understand our struggles.“
This growing dissatisfaction has led to calls for a change in union leadership, with some teachers demanding that the current officials step down. Many believe that new leadership is needed to restore the union’s credibility and effectiveness.
Mixed Reactions to Benefits Secured
While Misori pointed to some benefits secured during negotiations with the TSC, including the second phase of the CBA and improvements to the medical insurance scheme, many teachers feel that these concessions fall far short of their expectations. The majority of teachers remain concerned that their primary issues, such as salary increments and improved working conditions, have not been adequately addressed.
The announcement of the strike suspension has also raised concerns about the long-term effectiveness of KUPPET’s negotiations. Some teachers worry that by prematurely ending the strike, the union has weakened its bargaining position and set a dangerous precedent for future negotiations.
Calls for a New Strategy
As the dust settles from the strike suspension, many teachers are calling for a new strategy to address their grievances. Some have suggested that teachers take a more active role in the union’s decision-making process, while others have called for a complete overhaul of the union’s leadership.
One teacher called for unity and solidarity among teachers:
“Colleagues, it’s time for us to stand up and be heard. We need leadership that speaks for us, not at us. We must take control of our union and ensure that it represents our interests, not those of a few individuals.“
Despite the challenges, teachers remain determined to continue advocating for their rights. Many believe that the strike suspension is not the end of their fight, but rather a temporary setback in their ongoing struggle for fair treatment and better working conditions.
Moving Forward
The premature suspension of the teachers’ strike has undoubtedly left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Kenyan educators. While KUPPET’s leadership may have secured some concessions from the TSC, the overwhelming sentiment among teachers is that their demands have not been fully addressed.
As the education sector grapples with the aftermath of the strike, it remains to be seen how the relationship between teachers, their union, and the TSC will evolve. For now, teachers are left to navigate the uncertain terrain of their profession, with many feeling that their union has let them down in their time of need.
In the coming weeks, the focus will likely shift towards addressing the unresolved issues that prompted the strike in the first place. Whether through further negotiations or more assertive action, teachers are determined to keep fighting for the changes they believe are necessary to improve their working conditions and secure their future.
For many, the strike may be over for now, but the struggle for fair treatment is far from finished.
