NAIROBI, Kenya- Learning in secondary schools across Kenya is still on pause as the teachers’ strike, now entering its second week, shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite a court order demanding its suspension, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is standing firm, leaving parents and students in a state of uncertainty.
Over the weekend, KUPPET’s National Governing Council convened and made it clear: the strike is far from over.
In a bold move, the union has advised parents to pick up their children from schools, as teaching remains at a standstill across the country.
The strike, which began as a push for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), has now turned into a broader standoff between teachers and the government.
KUPPET officials argue that while the government has taken steps to implement the second phase of the CBA, the proposed salary increment is simply not enough to address the needs of teachers.
The union’s stance reflects deep dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to meet their demands, and they’re determined to continue the strike until a more satisfactory resolution is reached.
The ongoing strike is more than just a disruption; it’s a significant challenge for the education sector in Kenya. With secondary schools closed, students’ education is hanging in the balance, and the uncertainty is creating anxiety among parents and educators alike.
The strike also raises questions about the future of the CBA and whether the government can meet the union’s demands in a way that brings teachers back to the classroom.
As the strike continues, stakeholders are left wondering how long this impasse will last and what the long-term effects will be on Kenya’s education system. For now, parents and students can only wait, hoping for a resolution that puts education back on track.
As KUPPET and the government remain at odds, the impact on students is becoming more severe by the day. It’s crucial that both parties find a way to resolve this conflict, not just for the sake of teachers, but for the future of education in Kenya.
