Why KUPPET is Satisfied with TSC’s Offer Despite Pushing
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has emerged from a prolonged and contentious strike action with notable victories for teachers across the country. Although the union initially had more ambitious demands, they have expressed satisfaction with the achievements secured through their collective action.
The strike, which faced resistance from various quarters, has proven to be a powerful demonstration of solidarity and the effectiveness of collective bargaining. Among the most significant outcomes of the strike is the Ministry of Education’s commitment to allocate Sh18.7 billion to convert 46,000 junior secondary school intern teachers to permanent and pensionable positions. This move is seen as a major win for the union and a critical step toward improving job security and benefits for educators.
Additionally, the government announced that teachers’ medical expenses have been covered through March, addressing a key concern for the welfare of educators. KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori emphasized that these achievements were a direct result of the pressure exerted by the strike. He remarked, “Today we have also confirmed that medical facilities have been paid up until March; you would not have heard this if we had not gone on strike.”
Misori highlighted the progress made within just five days of the industrial action, underscoring the strike’s effectiveness in compelling the government to address long-neglected issues. He stated, “The problems facing the teachers need to be resolved. And as a result of this strike, results have been observed. These successes demonstrate how well the strike worked to provide teachers with real advantages.”
In light of these gains, KUPPET has welcomed the government’s concessions as a reasonable foundation for an acceptable return-to-work formula. One of the key developments that KUPPET views as a substantial victory is the government’s confirmation that it will hire an additional 20,000 teachers. This decision is expected to alleviate the burden on the existing workforce and enhance the overall quality of education in the country.
Despite these achievements, KUPPET leadership stressed the importance of securing these victories within the legal framework, ensuring that teachers’ rights are protected from any form of intimidation or retribution. Misori issued a stern warning against any attempts to threaten or blackmail teachers during the ongoing industrial action, asserting, “Teachers will make learning difficult in their various schools if anybody is interested in intimidating them, especially by arrests and blackmail to gag them not to express themselves in a manner they want in this industrial action.”
While KUPPET remains open to further negotiations, Misori made it clear that the union will not allow the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to prolong the strike as a tactic to penalize the union or appease other interests. Despite their initial demands for more, KUPPET’s satisfaction with the current offer reflects a strategic decision to consolidate their gains and protect the welfare of teachers, while remaining vigilant against any potential backlash.
