KUPPET Updates on Monday’s Strike. 

KUPPET Updates on Monday’s Strike. 

As the fourth week of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) strike begins on Monday, Kenya’s education system remains severely disrupted.

Union insiders claim that there are no prospects of a resolution to the strike, which was started due to subpar working conditions, the situation of intern teachers, and the requirement for a review of career advancement criteria.

Strike Caused by Unfulfilled Demands
The secondary school teachers’ union, KUPPET, has expressed its displeasure with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in public. Better working conditions and the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers who have been teaching in schools around the nation are among the union’s main requests.

Although these interns are an invaluable asset to Kenya’s overworked educational system, their temporary status has long been a source of conflict.

The Career Progression Guidelines (CPGs), which specify the standards for teacher promotions and professional development, are another item on the union’s agenda for reconsideration.

Members of KUPPET contend that the existing norms are burdensome and do not offer distinct avenues for professional growth, which exacerbates teacher discontent.

National Governing Council Decision Made with Unanimity
The National Governing Council (NGC) of KUPPET, which advocates for teachers’ interests nationally, overwhelmingly approved the strike. Speaking to teachersdailyhub.co.ke, a source close to the union reiterated the resolve of union members to carry on with their strike until their demands are fulfilled.

“We’re going to strike. When we’re done, we’ll provide you an update. Every NGC member voted in favor of the resolution, the source stated.

Teachers’ Anger Increases
Numerous educators have voiced their mounting dissatisfaction with the TSC’s lack of responsiveness as the strike continues. The union charges that the TSC has not done enough to address issues pertaining to teachers’ welfare and professional development. The teachers’ complaints have only gotten worse since there have been no serious talks.

“We’re not making unrealistic demands. One teacher, who asked to remain anonymous because of the delicate nature of the matter, stated, “We just want fair treatment and an opportunity to develop our careers without the uncertainty that comes with temporary contracts and vague guidelines.”

Effect on Learners and Institutions
The strike has affected Kenyan secondary school students significantly. The lack of teachers for thousands of students has disrupted the academic schedule and worried parents.

Students preparing for national examinations, such the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), are especially concerned about the continuing strike. With little help from their teachers, many of these children are left to study alone.

“We are anxious about the forthcoming tests. We’ve been trying our hardest to get ready, but it’s hard without our instructors’ help,” a Nairobi Form 4 student remarked.

Schools are finding it difficult to handle the teacher shortage on top of their already tight budget. Principals have filled in as teachers in certain situations, but this hasn’t been sufficient to fill the voids created by striking teachers.

Government Reaction
KUPPET has been urged by the Kenyan government to return to the bargaining table and put an end to the strike through the Ministry of Education.

Ezekiel Machogu, the cabinet secretary for education, recently urged teachers to return to work for the benefit of their kids’ education while assuring them that their complaints would be taken seriously.

“We are dedicated to resolving this impasse and acknowledge the critical role that educators play in our educational system. But we have to make sure that education never stops,” Machogu stated in a statement released last week.

Talks between the government, the TSC, and KUPPET have not advanced much in spite of these guarantees. The union is not letting up on its demands, stating unequivocally that meaningful action must be taken before teachers will even contemplate going back to work.

Increasing KUPPET Support
Other unions and education groups have backed KUPPET’s position, arguing that the problems the union has brought up are long-standing and need to be addressed right once. Some have urged the government to give the education sector top priority and to allocate the funds required to enhance teachers’ working conditions.

“We support KUPPET with unity. As the cornerstone of our educational system, teachers ought to be treated with dignity and respect, according to a Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) representative.

In summary
The future of Kenya’s education system is still unknown as the strike enters its fourth week. The impasse doesn’t seem to be going away because both sides appear to be firmly committed to their stances. As long as the conflict between KUPPET and the TSC persists, educators, parents, and students must prepare for more disruptions.

The current strike brings to light the systemic problems that Kenya’s education system faces, and it is unclear if any progress will be made in tackling these pressing concerns. Thousands of youngsters’ educations around the nation are in limbo till then.

KUPPET Updates on Monday’s Strike.