KUPPET and KNUT Announce Strike from August 26.

The education sector in Kenya is currently facing a severe crisis following a joint strike notice issued by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) ahead of the reopening of schools.

Omboko Milemba, the national chairman of KUPPET, declared that teachers are set to commence their strike on August 26. He stressed that Kenyan teachers, who have shown patience despite experiencing delayed payments, now feel they have no choice but to take this action.

Milemba explained that the strike notice, jointly issued by KNUT and KUPPET, indicates that schools will likely not reopen as planned. He traced the origins of the current situation to the long-standing efforts to establish collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) as a means to address recurring teacher strikes. To prevent the annual strikes that typically occur towards the end of the year, the unions opted to move away from relying on legal notices signed with the government and instead pursued CBAs as a more stable solution.

The unresolved issues and unmet promises have led the unions to resort to such a drastic measure, according to Milemba. He emphasized that the persistent failure to honor agreements has left teachers feeling increasingly frustrated and undervalued, pushing them towards industrial action. Milemba, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Emuhaya, voiced his concerns about the way teaching is perceived, noting that it is often seen as merely a calling rather than a profession worthy of respect, which further diminishes its standing compared to other careers.

Milemba expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to implement the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was supposed to begin in July 2024. This agreement includes a crucial second phase that promises a 7-9% salary increase for teachers, which has yet to be fulfilled. The delay in implementing these provisions has only added to the teachers’ frustrations and contributed to the current crisis.

In addition to the salary concerns, KNUT is also demanding the permanent employment of 46,000 teachers. This demand highlights the unions’ broader concerns about job security and the need for more stable employment conditions within the education sector. The failure to address these issues has exacerbated the tensions between the government and the teaching profession.

Milemba warned that unless a miracle occurs, teachers have no other option but to go on strike on the specified date. He underscored the seriousness of the situation and the likelihood that schools will remain closed if the government’s commitments are not met. The strike could have significant implications for the education system, disrupting the academic calendar and affecting students across the country.

The joint action by KUPPET and KNUT signals a unified stance by the teachers’ unions in their fight for better working conditions and fair treatment. This solidarity among teachers demonstrates the depth of their dissatisfaction and their determination to see their demands addressed. The unions’ decision to take such a bold step reflects the growing sense of urgency among educators who feel their voices have been ignored for too long.

As the strike date approaches, the situation in the education sector remains tense, with the potential for widespread disruption. The government’s response to these demands will be crucial in determining whether the strike can be averted and whether teachers’ concerns will be adequately addressed. The outcome of this standoff will have far-reaching consequences for the future of education in Kenya.