Strike
A section of West Pokot leaders wants teachers threatening to hold a nationwide strike, to give the government through the new Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), enough time to settle, re-organise the house and put everything in order.
They asked the teachers to call off the anticipated teachers’ strike scheduled for next week, arguing that those aggrieved should agree to have a dialogue with the concerned authorities in finding a lasting solution.
“Today if my cow is refusing to lactate, I should not take a stick and lash at it. Instead, I will try milking it again tomorrow. Therefore, I am appealing to our good brothers and sisters in the noble teaching profession, to kindly call off their intended strike and have a sit-down with the government,” said the former West Pokot Governor, Prof. John Lonyangapuo.
Lonyangapuo argued that in every agreement made, there is always room for amendments hence the teachers should open room for discussions, instead of staying adamant. He was optimistic that the economy was going to improve and if there are agreements made, they should be subjected to amendments, to save the country from the shame of a strike.
Sigor Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Lochakapong told off teachers’ unions officials, mentioning that the call for a strike was ill advised since the country is still recuperating from the disarray occasioned during the nationwide Gen-Z anti-government protests.
“Those agitating for a strike seem to be conduits for those who do not support President William Ruto’s transformative agenda. This is not the right time to bring this discussion on the table because the country is still recovering from the aftermaths of the anti-government protests,” argued Lochakapong.
The MP appealed to teachers to be sensitive and concerned about the welfare of the children, who are set to sit their final exams this year, arguing that they too will be affected if the strike goes on.
“Third term is usually a very delicate moment where learners need no disturbance because it is their main exam term. Having a strike at this time is being selfish and insensitive therefore I call upon the teachers to rescind their planned strike and give the government time to iron out any issues being raised,” urged the legislator.
Kapenguria MP, Samuel Moroto, on his part accused the officials at the Ministry of Education for what he termed as showing non-commitment in coming up clear to explain what was happening. Moroto said the teachers have a right to express their grievances but no official was coming out clearly to explain.
“We want the new Education CS, Julius Migosi, among other education officials to come out clearly and tell us what the problem is all about,” stated the MP.
This comes as the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), declared a nationwide strike of all Teachers beginning on 26th of August. On Friday the Head of State directed the National Treasury and the Ministry of Labour to move with speed and have a sit-down with Teachers concerning their issues in order to avert the strike.
During the Annual General Meeting held in West Pokot, the Union held grounds that their strike notice still stands, asking the government to adhere to the Court Order and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2023.
Kuppet Deputy Secretary General, Moses Nthurima, announced that onwards the Union shall hold meetings in all 47 counties, urging teachers to resist any deal with the government, saying internship offers are illegal and none should abide by them.
“From August 26, 2024, our teachers will be travelling to look for their money, which means they will not be in school. This is the message we are bringing to both the country and the parents that teachers will not be reporting back to school, so they will have to make contingency arrangements to have their children at home or bring them to school to take care of themselves,” pronounced Nthurima.
His Gender Affairs Counterpart, Mrs. Catherine Wambilianga, said the government has been offering teachers fake promises and onwards, the Union shall not listen to any further promises. Instead, they want actions.
“The CBA we are talking about is already deposited in the bank and we expect the government to pay. We also expect the government to employ the young people as promised,” maintained Mrs. Wambilianga who is also the Bungoma County Women Rep.