Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially called off the strike initiated by teachers last week after a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday 2, September 2024.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia announced at a joint press conference that the strike has been suspended while pending issues are being addressed by the TSC.
“The collective bargaining agreement has been paid, medical cover restored and on issues of teacher promotion, TSC is looking for money to promote as many teachers as possible and is discussing on confirmation of teachers in acting position,” Misori said.
He assured that teachers who participated in the strike will not face any repercussions.
Macharia further stated: “We are cognizant of the fact that our teachers are very hardworking and we met with the unions today because the children are greater than all of us and we are joining efforts to ensure they cover the lost time.”
“It is a policy document and there is much to cover but we have gone a step ahead and will keep everyone posted on the progress.”
The strike was originally launched to demand the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
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Although the government has begun implementing the second phase of the CBA, KUPPET argues that the proposed salary increase falls short of adequately addressing teachers’ needs.
Despite the strike, teachers recognize certain advancements, such as the government’s pledge to hire more Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and ensure fair compensation for those in acting roles.
However, KUPPET continues to emphasize the need for further action, particularly concerning the promotion of teachers.