The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially announced a nationwide teachers’ strike set to commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. This decision was reached during a critical meeting of the union’s National Governing Council (NGC) held on today. Out of the 70 members present, a resounding 68 voted in favor of the strike, leaving only two members opposing the motion.
The decision comes after weeks of unresolved disputes between KUPPET and the government regarding issues such as salary increments, better working conditions, and the full implementation of the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Despite numerous negotiations, the union expressed frustration over the government’s reluctance to meet the teachers’ demands, leading to the current standoff.
KUPPET’s Secretary-General Akello Misori stated that the strike was a last resort after all other avenues of dialogue failed. “Our members have been patient for far too long. We have tried to engage with the government to no avail. We have no other option but to take this drastic step to ensure that the rights and welfare of our teachers are upheld,” the Secretary-General remarked.
The strike is expected to disrupt the scheduled reopening of schools across the country, as teachers are set to boycott classrooms. This move could potentially affect millions of students, parents, and the education sector at large, sparking widespread concern.
Education stakeholders, including parents and students, are anxiously awaiting further developments, hoping that a resolution can be reached before the strike begins. However, with the overwhelming support from KUPPET’s NGC, it is clear that the union is determined to push forward with their demands.
As the clock ticks closer to Monday, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping that both the union and the government can find common ground to avoid the looming crisis in the education sector.
