TSC Demands End to Teachers’ Strike Before Negotiations
The Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) has issued a directive demanding that secondary school teachers end their ongoing strike before any discussions can take place. This move follows a request by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to meet with the TSC on Thursday to negotiate a return-to-work plan.
The KUPPET’s request came amid widespread protests by teachers nationwide. Many educators have been voicing their dissatisfaction with the recent salary increment announced by the TSC, which they view as inadequate and disrespectful to their profession. The strike has now persisted for four days, despite a court order that temporarily halted the action while the TSC’s case is reviewed.
On Thursday, Daraja Mbili Secondary School in Kisii County, which would normally be bustling with activity at the start of the new academic term, was unusually quiet. Teachers were absent, leaving students to either study independently or remain idle as negotiations between KUPPET and the TSC continued.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, in a letter sent after the court order was issued, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to resolving the conflict through legal and amicable means. However, the TSC has insisted that the strike must be called off before any discussions can proceed. The commission argues that it has fulfilled its obligations under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and addressed all grievances raised in a recent communication dated August 19, 2024.
Despite these claims, teachers across the country have continued their demonstrations. In Kisii County, protesters took to the streets, causing disruptions and displaying placards with their demands. They rejected the salary increment as insufficient. Similar protests occurred in Lamu County, where teachers accused the TSC of reneging on previous agreements, and in Vihiga County, where there were calls for the proper handling of statutory deductions and improvements in medical coverage.
In Machakos County, teachers in three sub-counties rallied for promotions and acting allowances. Meanwhile, in Nandi County, junior secondary school teachers joined the demonstrations, demanding the confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers.
The situation remains tense as both sides await a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
