Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has confirmed the official kick off of the teachers’ strike as from Monday, August 26, 2024, when schools will be official reopening for third term.
The KUPPET National Governing Council met on Sunday, August 25, 2024, and held discussions during which the teachers’ strike was endorsed.
KUPPET on teachers’ strike
In a press statement released on Sunday, KUPPET says they had met to review developments on the nationwide teachers’ strike, which will go on as planned after the government failed to address members’ grievances by the expiry of the Strike Notice.
“The KUPPET National Governing Council met today to review developments regarding the nationwide teachers’ strike scheduled to start on Monday 26th August 2024. There being no imminent resolution of the members’ grievances by the expiry of our Strike Notice, the meeting resolved to press ahead with the strike from Monday 26th August,” the statement reads in part.
KUPPET on teachers’ rights
The teachers’ union says it will mobilise its members to fight hard for their rights, until their grievances are addressed.
According to KUPPET, the strike will act as a tool to answer the long-standing demands of frustrated teachers who are under-paid, overworked and demotivated.
The union says apart from demanding a better pay for teachers, it is also f******g for improved facilities and more resources for schools.
“The union will mobilise its members to fight hard for their labour rights until justice is attained. The upcoming strike will be an effective tool to answer the long-standing demands of frustrated teachers who are under-paid, overworked and demotivated. The union is f******g for not only better pay for our members but also for improved facilities and more resources for schools,” the statement signed by the union Secretary General Akelo Misori reads.
KUPPET on students’ safety
The union has urged heads of schools to ensure safety of learners, parents and members of the non-teaching staff, who may report to schools during the period of the strike.
“In this regard, we urge you to pay close attention to the safety of learners and other members of school communities including parents, members of the non-teaching staff and other service providers during the strike,” KUPPET stated.
Parents and teachers have also been warned against leaving learners in the hands of Boards of Management (BOM) teachers during the strike.
“While you explore effective ways to achieve these ends, we remind you of the risks of leaving students at the hands of Boards of Management (BOM) teachers, who do not fall under the purview of the TSC’s Code of Regulations, during industrial action,” KUPPET warned.