Education

KNUT urges state to address Gen Z demands as protests disrupt learning

Anti-riot police offices are pictured at a bus stop in the Nairobi central business district during protests against the government on July 2, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan/EV)

By Lucy Mumbi | Tuesday, July 2, 2024

David Obuon, KNUT's Kisumu County Executive Secretary, said students and teachers, mostly in urban areas, have been forced to flee from schools as they are being teargassed amid the chaos.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) wants the government to address Gen Z's demands so as to end the ongoing countrywide protests, saying they are disrupting learning.

David Obuon, KNUT's Kisumu County Executive Secretary, said students and teachers, mostly in urban areas, have been forced to flee from schools as they are being teargassed amid the chaos.

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“A school in Kisumu was tear-gassed, causing learners and teachers to flee for safety. Many learners suffered, and we are uncertain about their security,” he said, adding that public transport disruptions have left many students stranded yet they were to report to school on Tuesday.

“With the disruption in public transport, accessing schools has become a challenge for learners."

Many students were seen in the Nairobi central business district on Tuesday waiting for matatus to take them to school after the mid-term break that started on June 26 and officially ended on June 28.

Some of the stops were, however, empty as reporters stayed away fearing the consequences of the protests, with the police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Parents who also spoke to The Eastleigh Voice said they received notices about changes in resumption dates by SMS on Monday afternoon.

KNUT also urged the government to release funds to schools on time to ensure smooth operations.

“Sports activities and music festivals are ongoing. Without funding, it becomes a challenge. The government also promised to build classrooms and facilities for Grade 9, due in a few months. We are unsure which schools have received the funds,” he said.

Regarding junior secondary school (JSS) teachers, Obuon called on the government to uphold its commitment and the court’s decision to confirm hiring interns on permanent and pensionable terms.

He urged the government not to treat teachers as casualties of the withdrawn Finance Bill 2024, an action President William Ruto took as the protests intensified while noting, however, that the employment of JSS teachers would be affected.

He stressed the importance of fair compensation and career advancement for teachers.

“Teachers are the nation's hope and should be motivated to inspire learners. If teachers are paid well, they will be motivated to deliver and impart knowledge to learners. Furthermore, those due for promotion should be promoted, and delayed salaries should be paid,” he said.

The union further expressed dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the Ministry of Education, criticising the actions of Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and parliamentarians.

“We have seen members of parliament from certain regions distributing employment letters at funerals, and teachers kneeling to receive them. This shows that something is wrong with the leadership,” Obuon said.

He asked Machogu to improve the management of his ministry.