After weeks of disruption in schools across Kenya, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has suspended its strike following a successful meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
The announcement came from KUPPET’s Secretary General, Akelo Misori, who urged all teachers to return to their classrooms immediately. The industrial action, which started on June 26, 2024, had left many schools struggling to function, with some principals sending students home due to the lack of teaching staff.
“In light of our recent discussions, we are suspending the strike and directing all teachers to resume their duties, pending the swift resolution of outstanding issues as agreed with the Commission,” Misori stated. Initially, KUPPET had insisted that schools would remain closed until the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) addressed their demands. Key among these were the implementation of the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the promotion of teachers who had been stuck in the same job groups for years, and the restoration of full medical cover for educators.
Misori also highlighted that the TSC has begun addressing the issue of teacher promotions, which has been a major point of contention. “We are pleased to inform our teachers that the process for promotions is now open, and the TSC is actively seeking funds to promote as many eligible teachers as possible who have remained in the same job group for an extended period,” he said. Discussions with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) are also ongoing to ensure proper compensation for teachers currently in acting positions.
Additionally, Misori announced the restoration of the previously reduced budget for teachers’ medical cover. “We can confirm that the budget, which had been cut to Sh11 billion, has now been fully reinstated,” he noted, offering some relief to teachers who had faced reduced benefits.
The suspension of the strike brings a temporary respite to the education sector, but the union has made it clear that it expects the TSC to follow through on its commitments swiftly to avoid further disruptions in the future.
