The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has confirmed that the ongoing strike will continue as originally planned. This announcement comes after the refusal of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to fulfill the demand of the union for the end of the strike.
In a letter to KUPPET Secretary Akello Misori, the TSC reiterated that the union must end the work boycott, citing a court order issued on Tuesday ordering the end of the strike.
The union revealed that the TSC had initially contacted them to discuss possible solutions to the ongoing industrial action. However, a letter from the union appeared in the media before the TSC could issue an official response, leading to widespread speculation about the negotiations. Misori said the union did not engage in negotiations out of fear. He noted that TSC had made informal contacts to assess the seriousness of the union, which prompted KUPPET to write a letter and formally request a meeting.
Misori accused the TSC of blackmailing the union, warning of undervaluation of teachers and misinterpretation of court decisions.
The union pointed out that the national constitution and the labor relations law of 2007 provide legal protection for strikes, which guarantees the right of workers to participate in trade union activities.
KUPPET stated that it followed the legal procedure, ensuring that the strike remains legal and will continue. KUPPET expressed disappointment at the TSC’s decision to take the case to court instead of continuing negotiations. The union interpreted this decision as an act of bad faith, aimed at punishing the union and protecting the interests of the commission’s allies.
Misori warned that if teachers’ concerns were ignored, they would still find ways to disrupt the educational process, making meaningful learning difficult.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the union acknowledged some positive results of the strike, citing the pressure it put on the Ministry of Education, which pledged Ksh 18.7 billion in funding.
In addition, the government confirmed the hiring of 20,000 new teachers, a result that Misori attributes directly to the strike.
Earlier, KUPPET had formally written to the TSC, seeking a resolution to the ongoing strike and advocating a peaceful settlement between the two parties.
The letter, referred to COUP/TSC/019/24 and addressed to Dr Nancy Macharia, Secretary and Director General of TSC, underlined KUPPET’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue rather than legal confrontations.
The union’s letter emphasized its preference for dialogue and the engagement of interested parties on confrontation methods, assuring the TSC of its position of respect for the law and the will to approach the problems in a constructive way .
KUPPET also requested a meeting with the TSC to discuss a “return to work formula”, aimed at finding a solution that would benefit all parties involved. This proactive approach reflects KUPPET’s commitment to minimize disruption in the education sector by working collaboratively with TSC towards a sustainable solution.
