Secondary school teachers in Kitui County took to the streets today in a peaceful demonstration, expressing their frustration with the government’s failure to honor a long-standing collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The protest, organized by the Kitui branch of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), saw teachers marching through the Kitui Central Business District, voicing their grievances over unfulfilled promises.
The educators, who left their classrooms to participate in the demonstration, cited the government’s failure to respect the teaching profession as the main reason for their protest. Among their chief complaints is the unresolved issue of delayed promotions, which has left many teachers stuck in the same job group for extended periods despite meeting the necessary qualifications and experience.
Speaking during the protest, the teachers emphasized that their absence from school and presence on the streets was a direct result of the government’s neglect of its duties.
They argued that the lack of timely promotions and other benefits outlined in the CBA undermines their profession and contributes to low morale among educators across the county.
The protestors carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the government to take immediate action to address their concerns. They called on the relevant authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with KUPPET and ensure that all agreed-upon terms in the CBA are fully implemented.
The Kitui KUPPET branch vowed to continue pushing for their rights until the government honors its commitments, warning that further delays could lead to more protests and disruptions in the education sector. As the demonstration concluded, the teachers urged the government to prioritize their demands and show respect for the profession that shapes the future of the nation.
