KUPPET issues one final condition before ending the teachers’ strike

Godfrey Gwako

2 months ago

KUPPET issues one final condition before ending the teachers’ strike: The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has urged its members to continue their strike. They have chosen to defy a court order that temporarily halted the boycott. On Tuesday evening, just hours after the Labour Court in Nairobi suspended the strike, KUPPET reiterated its call for teachers to maintain their protest.

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Justice James Rika issued the order

Justice James Rika ordered the suspension of the strike. He did this pending the outcome of a case filed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

However, KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori dismissed the ruling. He urged teachers to stay focused and ignore any distractions. Mr. Misori emphasized that the strike, which began on Monday, August 26th, is essential for resolving teachers’ grievances. As a result, it will protect the educational rights of Kenyan children.

KUPPET’s press statement

In a press statement, KUPPET highlighted that the strike is not just about teachers’ rights. It is also about ensuring quality education for all children.

The union expressed gratitude to the supportive parents and students who joined the protest. Misori encouraged members to remain steadfast.

“As the strike enters day three, we urge our members to ignore distractions. We must continue picketing until we have a return-to-work formula that addresses our grievances. The fight continues,” Reiterated Misori.

As things stand, only a reasonable return to work formula will end the strike.

KUPPET reported widespread disruption in learning across the country’s post-primary schools. Teachers are participating in large numbers to protest against unfair employment conditions. Reports from KUPPET’s 47 branches confirmed the extent of the strike’s impact.

Court reconvenes on September 5

The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi had issued a temporary injunction against the strike after an urgent application by the TSC.

Justice Rika announced that this injunction would remain until the court reconvenes on September 5. This effectively barred KUPPET and its members from further industrial action.

The strike has also exposed a rift between Kenya’s two main teachers’ unions. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) withdrew its strike notice on Sunday evening. Their NEC chose not to proceed, unlike KUPPET.

Both unions initially planned industrial action over issues such as pay, delayed promotions, and poor working conditions.

Oyuu explained reasons for their withdrawal

KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu explained that their withdrawal aimed to give TSC more time to meet their demands.

Teachers are pushing for the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement. On top of that, they are agitating for promotions and permanent employment for Junior Secondary School teachers. Another burning issue is the restoration of their comprehensive medical cover. The medical cover has been watered down by a half due to government budget cuts.

KUPPET issues one final condition before ending the teachers’ strike

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