Teachers in Kilifi defy court order, continue with strike

Hundreds of teachers in Malindi, Kilifi County, protested on Wednesday despite a court order issued on Tuesday halting the demonstrations.

The strike, spearheaded by Caleb Mogare, Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Executive Secretary for Kilifi County, is aimed at pressuring the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to respect and uphold teachers' fundamental rights.

Mogare addressed the striking teachers, urging them to continue with their strike and not be intimidated by threats from head teachers. He cautioned school administrators against coercing teachers to return to work or attend meetings during the strike, asserting that participating in the protest is a matter of solidarity and respect for teachers' rights.

Mogare also advised parents to keep their children at home, highlighting that schools are currently unstaffed due to the ongoing strike.

Kilifi County KUPPET Chairman Chiguba Nyale stressed that teachers are crucial to the education system and should not be intimidated by the TSC. "Teachers play a vital role in our schools, and we will stand firm until our grievances are addressed," Nyale asserted.

Morris Nyale, a KUPPET officer, emphasised the union's stance, stating, "We will not heed the court's order until our fundamental rights are recognised by the TSC."

Similarly, Mike Ngoma, the KUPPET Treasurer for Kilifi, reaffirmed the teachers' position. "We will not be intimidated by principals threatening teachers to return to classrooms. Kilifi teachers will stay out of schools until our demands are met."

Another teacher echoed this sentiment, saying, "We will not return to classrooms until our demands are fulfilled. We urge all Kilifi teachers to join the strike. Those who do not comply will face consequences."

The strike, which entered its third day today, has seen teachers in Taita Taveta County join their Kilifi counterparts in protesting.

Teachers in Voi town also demonstrated, submitting their grievances to the local TSC offices.

The KUPPET has reiterated its commitment to the strike, criticising the government's lack of response to their demands and stating that the TSC's threats will not deter them.

Caren Auma, a KUPPET member in Kilifi, condemned threats of job loss directed at teachers participating in the strike. She argued that such threats are unfair and infringe on teachers' rights to protest and advocate for improved working conditions.