Kenyan teachers are preparing for a nationwide strike set to begin on August 26, 2024. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) are leading the strike, mainly driven by frustrations over the government’s failure to implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
This phase involves a salary increment that was supposed to start in July 2024 but has been delayed.
Additionally, there are concerns over poor working conditions, inadequate medical insurance, and a lack of negotiations on a new CBA to succeed the current one.
Both unions have already held meetings to finalize their plans, with KUPPET’s Secretary-General, Akello Misori, accusing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of ignoring teachers’ grievances.
KNUT is also set to meet to finalize its strike plans, with union leaders warning that the government’s lack of action leaves them with no choice but to strike.
The government, led by Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, has held discussions with union officials in an attempt to prevent the strike.
However, despite these talks, the unions remain resolute, demanding the immediate fulfillment of their demands.
This strike, if not averted, could disrupt the upcoming school term, affecting both teachers and students nationwide.
