Kenyan Teachers Call Off Strike After Reaching Agreement With Government

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially called off its nationwide teachers’ strike following a breakthrough agreement with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The strike, which lasted over a week, had caused significant disruptions in schools across the country, with many students being sent home due to fears of unrest and school property vandalism.

The decision to end the strike came after a series of intense negotiations between KUPPET and the TSC.

The two parties agreed on a return-to-work formula that addressed several key issues raised by the teachers.

Among the primary concerns were the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the restoration of teachers’ medical cover, and the promotion of teachers.

KUPPET’s Secretary-General, Akelo Misori, announced the suspension of the strike on Monday after the union’s National Governing Council approved the agreement.

“We have decided to suspend the strike and urge all our teachers to return to class,” Misori stated during a press briefing held at the Sports view Hotel in Nairobi.

“The implementation of the Collective Bargaining agreement has been confirmed, and concerns about the medical cover have been addressed, with confirmation that it has been restored in the budget,” he added.

In addition to the medical cover and CBA implementation, the agreement also includes provisions for the promotion of teachers.

TSC has opened the portal for the promotion process and is currently seeking funds to ensure that teachers in acting positions are given due consideration.

TSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Nancy Macharia, confirmed that the government had released funds for the implementation of the second phase of the CBA, effective July 1, 2024.

“We are pleased to confirm that the government provided funds for the implementation of the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and all our teachers have benefited,” Macharia stated.

She also mentioned that the TSC had already promoted 51,200 teachers through competitive promotions and would continue promoting teachers as budgetary allocations allow.

The suspension of the strike has been met with relief by many parents and students who were concerned about the impact of the prolonged industrial action on the academic calendar.

However, KUPPE has warned that any failure by the government to honor the agreement could lead to further actions in the future.

As schools begin to resume normal operations, both parties have agreed to continue negotiations to resolve any outstanding issues.

The education sector in Kenya has seen a series of strikes and protests in recent years, as teachers and other stakeholders push for better working conditions and remuneration.

The resolution of the strike marks a significant step forward in addressing the grievances of teachers in Kenya and ensuring that the education system remains stable and conducive for learning.