Teachers ordered back to class as KUPPET calls off strike

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called off its strike after a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday.

KUPPET's secretary general, Akelo Misori, announced the strike's suspension and directed all teachers to return to school as soon as possible.

The industrial action, which began on June 26, 2024, disrupted learning in many schools, leading some principals to send students home due to the lack of teachers.

"From the union side, we suspend the strike and ask all our teachers to go back to class pending the speedy resolutions of this matter as already agreed upon between us and the Commission," Misori said.

Initially, the union had declared that schools would remain closed until the TSC met their demands. Among the demands included the implementation of the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the promotion of teachers who had been stagnant in their job groups for years, and the restoration of medical cover for tutors.

Misori confirmed that discussions are currently underway regarding the promotion of teachers who have remained in the same job groups for extended periods of time.

"We are now confirming to our teachers and members that the portal of that arrangement is now open, and the Teachers Service Commission is looking for funds to promote as many teachers as possible who have stagnated in their job groups," he stated.

KUPPET teachers on strike in August 2024. (Photo: Handout)

He also stated that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission consultations will determine the proper recognition for teachers in acting positions.

Additionally, Misori confirmed the restoration of previously reduced funds for teachers' medical cover.

"We have so far confirmed that even the budget and allocation, which were reduced to Sh11 billion, have now been restored," he said.

On the other hand, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions, emphasising that teachers can resume work as most of the pressing issues have been addressed.

"To this end, and after a day-long meeting, we are happy to report to the nation that we have reached an amicable settlement that will enable our teachers to resume duty immediately," she said.

Macharia further noted that the government had fulfilled its promise, made on August 21, 2021, to provide funds for the implementation of the second phase of the CBA effective July 1, 2024.

She confirmed that all teachers had benefitted from this implementation, including arrears payments.

"Therefore, the government has successfully implemented all the provisions of the 2021-24 CBA with the teachers' unions," Macharia said.