The ongoing strike by teachers affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has raised concerns about the impact it will have on learning in public schools. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has urged the striking teachers to seek alternative ways of resolving their issues with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) without disrupting the education system.
Mr. Migos emphasized that the main demand of teachers regarding payment, as stated in their collective bargaining agreement, has already been addressed. He urged the teachers to engage in dialogue with the TSC to resolve any remaining issues while ensuring that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted. The CS stressed that issues such as the employment of 46,000 intern teachers are being addressed by the government and are outside the purview of the teachers‘ union.
During an impromptu visit to schools in Machakos, Kajiado, and Nairobi counties, Mr. Migos highlighted the government’s efforts to improve facilitation for teachers to provide their services without interruption. He mentioned that resources have been allocated for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and for the recruitment of teachers to support the competency-based curriculum.
The CS assured that the TSC is actively working on addressing issues raised by teachers‘ unions, including access to medical cover, career progression guidelines, and promotion opportunities for teachers. Additionally, the government has released an additional Sh7.5 billion to schools for the construction of 7,500 classrooms, which are expected to be completed by December.
Mr. Migos commended the decision to address the issues promptly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a conducive learning environment for students. He urged teachers to prioritize their commitment to education and work towards resolving any outstanding issues through constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities.
In conclusion, the government’s call for striking teachers to seek alternative ways of resolving their issues with the TSC reflects a commitment to ensuring that learning in schools is not disrupted. By addressing administrative issues through dialogue and cooperation, both teachers and the government can work towards a common goal of providing quality education for all students.