Teachers in Isiolo Protest Over 2021 CBA
On the second day of the national teachers’ strike, educators in Isiolo gathered outside the local Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) office to express their frustrations. They are calling for the government to follow through on the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Moses Kimwere, the chairperson of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) branch, emphasized several key demands. He urged the government to offer permanent contracts to 46,000 junior secondary teachers, promote 130,000 teachers, hire 20,000 new staff, and ensure proper payment handling and medical coverage.
The teachers made it clear that they will stay away from their classes if their issues are not addressed. Kimwere also warned school principals against pressuring teachers to return to work, advising those who face such threats to report them to the union office.
Kimwere stated, “Teachers who return to work will face expulsion… we will not tolerate any form of betrayal.”
Priscilah Wanja, the KUPPET branch treasurer, criticized the government for undermining the teaching profession, which she believes has led to fewer young people wanting to become teachers. She encouraged all educators to work together to restore the profession’s dignity.
Daniel Muriuki, a KUPPET member from Isiolo, accused various government departments of providing conflicting information about the availability of funds needed to meet the teachers’ demands.