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Blame game as Kuppet slams MPs for disregarding issues affecting teachers

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By Lucy Mumbi | 08 Apr 2024

Misori claimed that despite being asked to present surveys to support their claims, the MPs had yet to take any appropriate action.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has expressed disappointment with the Members of Parliament for what it perceives as a failure to address critical challenges facing their members countrywide.

Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori accused the MPs of neglecting the concerns raised by teachers regarding their employment conditions, salaries, and promotions.

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Speaking at an event in Homa Bay County on Saturday, Misori highlighted instances where MPs were absent during important debates, citing the ongoing nationwide doctors' strike as an example.

He pointed out that while medics have been on strike for three weeks after failing to strike an equilibrium with the Ministry of Health, teachers also face significant challenges that need to be swiftly addressed.

“Some MPs are absent when serious issues are being discussed. They have not shown dedication to pressuring the government to address these issues. Our MPs should look for ways to address problems like lack of promotion and shortage of teachers in the country,” he said.

He lamented that some of the issues were previously presented before Parliament, but MPs failed to deal with them adequately.

Several MPs, including National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, had urged the teachers to present the findings of their surveys to Parliament as a demonstration of their commitment to addressing the grievances raised.

However, speaking on Friday in Migori County, Wandayi criticised the teachers and their unions, accusing them of not taking their concerns seriously.

He asserted that workers' unions in the country are failing to effectively address the issues raised by their members, contrary to their responsibilities as stipulated by their constitutions.

In response, Misori claimed that despite being asked to present surveys to support their claims, the MPs had yet to take any appropriate action.

He clarified that while Kuppet researches issues affecting teachers, it is not the union's responsibility to present these findings to Parliament, as per labour laws.

“Kenyan law allows workers to join and participate in the activities of a trade union. However, the activities of a union do not include conducting research and giving to Parliament. Parliament has its own department that conducts research. It is upon them to look at it,” he countered.

Misori affirmed that the union assessed some of the issues affecting teachers, including delayed promotion, and presented the report to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

He argued that they have not failed their members as alleged and that they will continue to manage their affairs and further their interests. He also assured teachers that the union would not relent in addressing their plight.

"We will not abdicate our duties and pass the blame to other institutions," he vowed.