The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has called off the teachers’ strike after reaching a deal with the Teachers Service Commission.
The deal comes as the strike, which entered its second week on Monday, prompted some schools to send learners back home.
The deal to call off the strike was reached Monday evening, with TSC assuring that no teacher will be victimised.
The remaining issues will be resolved during the suspension of the strike.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia told a joint press conference that the strike was called off pending matters that are to be addressed by TSC.
“The collective bargaining agreement has been paid, medical cover restored and on issues of teacher promotion, TSC is looking for money to promote as many teachers as possible and is discussing on confirmation of teachers in acting position,” Misori said.
He added that teachers who took part in the industrial action will not be victimized.
Macharia added: “We are cognizant of the fact that our teachers are very hardworking and we met with the unions today because the children are greater than all of us and we are joining efforts to ensure they cover the lost time.”
“It is a policy document and there is much to cover but we have gone a step ahead and will keep everyone posted on the progress.”
The strike was initially called to push for the implementation of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
While the government has moved to implement the second phase of the CBA, Kuppet maintains that the salary increment is insufficient to meet the teachers’ needs.
Despite the ongoing strike, the teachers acknowledge some progress, including the government’s commitment to hire Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and properly remunerate those serving in acting positions.
However, Kuppet insists that more action is needed, particularly regarding the promotion of teachers.
