MACHAKOS, Kenya — The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has threatened a nationwide strike, warning that teachers may boycott the reopening of schools next week if the government fails to address longstanding grievances.
Speaking in Machakos, branch secretary Yvonne Musyoka said teachers will not report to work when the new term begins unless urgent action is taken on key reforms.
“We will not go back to class if these issues are not resolved,” Musyoka said, urging parents to keep learners at home should the standoff persist.
The union has raised concerns over delays in implementing proposed legal reforms aimed at granting teachers greater autonomy, as well as challenges in accessing services under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
KUPPET also renewed its demand for the immediate employment of more than 44,000 teachers under the Junior Secondary School (JSS) programme on permanent and pensionable terms, instead of the current internship arrangement.
Union officials argue that the internship model is exploitative and contravenes court directives, calling for its immediate abolition.
The warning comes as schools prepare to reopen for the next academic term, raising concerns over potential disruption to learning across the country if the dispute escalates.
Education stakeholders say a prolonged strike could significantly affect the already tight academic calendar under the Competency-Based Education system, particularly for learners in junior secondary.
KUPPET has urged both the government and the National Assembly to intervene urgently and resolve the impasse, warning that failure to act could paralyse learning nationwide.
