KUPPET will review the status of the union strike at the next meeting.
On September 1, 2024, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) will hold a significant National Governing Council (NGC) meeting.
The conference is scheduled to begin punctually at 9:00 a.m. at the Kasarani Sportsview Hotel in Nairobi. This meeting is anticipated to assess the status of the union strike, which is now in its second week, per the invitation extended by Mr. Akelo Misori, Secretary General.
The country’s education system has been severely disrupted by the continuing strike, which is being led by KUPPET. The teachers’ union, which represents thousands of post-primary teachers, called for better working conditions, higher wages, and the fulfillment of previous agreements made with the government as the reasons behind the strike.
These requests are the result of persistent complaints about the wellbeing of instructors that have not been addressed for a number of years.
First Week of Strike: Principal Concerns Voiced
A number of important issues surfaced during the first week of the strike, with educators bemoaning the state of affairs in the education sector. Members of KUPPET have expressed their discontent with how the government has been addressing their demands, especially with regard to unfulfilled promotions, postponed wage reviews, and inadequate support for educational initiatives.
Teachers have also expressed concern about the increasing burden brought on by an increase in students that hasn’t been accompanied by a corresponding rise in the number of teaching staff members.
A large number of the union’s members have joined the strike, forcing many schools to close or function at reduced capacity. Teachers at public secondary schools have been particularly affected, as they have walked out in support of their union. KUPPET is unwavering in its position and will not relent until the government fully addresses their issues, despite the interruption.
What Happens to KUPPET Next?
The union will be reviewing the achievements and difficulties of the first week of industrial action during the next NGC meeting, which will be a crucial moment. In the event that the government does not seriously respond to the union’s requests, the conference will also determine how the strike will continue. Insiders close to the union said that the review will center on how well the strike tactic has worked thus far and what changes would need to be made going forward.
The leadership of KUPPET has urged all NGC members to attend the meeting on time and has called for maximum involvement from its members. In the memo distributed to union members, Secretary General Akelo Misori said, “In solidarity, we must remain united.” He underlined once more how crucial it is to adhere to the union’s goals and keep up the pressure on the administration.
The result of the meeting on Sunday will probably determine the direction of the next round of talks with the government as the union gets ready to start its second week of work stoppage. KUPPET has made it clear that it is open to communication, but it is unwavering in its demands for tangible results.
The Reaction of the Government
On the other hand, the government has voiced worries about how the strike may affect education, but it hasn’t given in much just yet. Although there have been some private talks between union representatives and government representatives, not much of the progress has been made public.
Ezekiel Machogu, the cabinet secretary for education, has urged moderation and a return to the bargaining table from the union, warning that a protracted strike could have long-term effects on students, particularly those getting ready for national exams.
But KUPPET is still adamant that the walkout will go on and possibly even worse if nothing concrete is done. The union’s position reflects the mounting annoyance of instructors who believe their issues have gone unaddressed for far too long.
In summary
All eyes will be on the result and future course of the continuing strike as KUPPET’s NGC is ready to meet this Sunday. The union and the government are both holding firm, therefore the next several days will be crucial for Kenya’s educational system.
Many people are hoping that a solution will be found quickly so that both teachers and pupils may get back to their schools as soon as possible. But for the time being, KUPPET is unwavering in its demands for reform, and the impasse goes on.
Keep checking back for updates from the meeting and more about KUPPET’s strike.
KUPPET will review the status of the union strike at the next meeting.
