01/09/2024
KUPPET NGC TO ENGAGE NEW GEAR IN STRIKE
1. The KUPPET National Governing Council convened today Sunday 1st September 2024 to take stock of the ongoing teachers’ strike that started on Monday 26 Aug.
The Council unanimouslyresolved to intensify the nationwide strike until the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) shall have signed a return to work formula with the union.
2. The Council deplored the TSC’s arrogance and apathy to the strike, observing that
the Commission (despite being the teachers’ employer) was the sole public agency
to flatly refuse a meeting with KUPPET over the strike. In addition, the Commission
had dishonoured summons by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Dr Alfred Mutua, who is exercising his constitutional authority as the conciliator in the labour dispute registered by KUPPET.
3. The NGC appreciated efforts by Dr Mutua, who has coordinated the government’s robust response to the strike, as well as the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon Julius Ogamba, and leaders of parliamentary committees for Education (Hon. Julius Melly) and Budget (Hon. Ndindi Nyoro).
4. Through the leaders’ interventions, KUPPET had made certain key gains since the
strike began. These include:
a) Full implementation of the 2021-2025 CBA, covering both basic salaries and
allowances.
b) Commitment by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour to ensure the proper
remuneration of teachers on acting appointments.
c) Confirmation by Hon Ogamba that the government will avail Sh18.7 billion
for the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers.
d) Disbursement of funds to health institutions under the Teachers Medical
Scheme, which have cleared the institutions’ arrears for two quarters.
e) Confirmation by the Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Finance on the
employment of 20,000 new teachers.
The NGC empowered the National Executive Board to ring-fence these gains in a
return to work formula with the TSC, which alone would provide the basis for
ending the strike
The Council thanked union members for turning up in large numbers for today’s prayers around the country. It urged members to seize their destiny and intensify the strike from Monday 2 September. The union will marshal its forces to counteract the massive intimidation tactics employed by the TSC against KUPPET, Union officials and teachers at the school level.
6. The NGC was briefed about the crisis building in schools across the country as
principals try to manage the institutions through temporary teachers employed by school Boards. Some schools, including Othaya Boys in Nyeri County, closed after student riots. The Council urged Principals to put the best interests of learners first
by sending them home to avert any disturbances.
7. The Council regretted the TSC’s inclination to scuttle social dialogue and address labour issues through the judicial system. Whereas the adversarial route might hurt the union in the short run through contempt proceedings, such were small
sacrifices to pay in the course of teachers’ struggle for justice.
8. The Council mandated the National Executive Board to exhaust the search for a
just and amicable end to the strike.
AKELO M.T. MISORI
SECRETARY GENERAL, KUPPET KENYA
SUNDAY 1ST SEPT 2024
