Isiolo teachers threaten strike over unfulfilled Collective Bargaining Agreement

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Isiolo and its members protested peacefully on Monday against the state's refusal to fully implement the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Secondary school teachers marched to the county Teachers Service Commission offices but were not granted an audience with any of the officials.

The teachers, led by branch executive secretary Moses Kimwere, have stated that they will not return to work until all of their issues are addressed.

They highlighted the absorption of 46, 000 Junior Secondary School teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, recruitment of 20,000 more, wage increments, non-remittance of statutory deductions, and promotions as challenges that TSC must address before returning to work.

"I direct all our teachers to stay away from schools until further communication by the union," Kimwere stated, urging parents not to release their children for a third term unless the union gives the green signal.

The unionist also warned primary school principals against threatening JSS teachers who would join their senior counterparts in the walkout.

"We will not allow any headteacher to intimidate JSS teachers for exercising their rights. We will take action against anyone who interferes with teachers' rights," he said.

Daniel Muriuki, a teacher, said the government should clarify where third-party deductions from their pay cheques were going because they weren't being remitted.

"The National Assembly Budget Committee believes money has been put aside, but Treasury CS John Mbadi argues there are no funds. Who will we trust?" He posed.

Eunice Mwangi believes President William Ruto's administration should demonstrate its commitment to supporting great education by fully implementing the CBA.

"We will not accept anything less. We will return to class only after all of the demands are met," she stated.