Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has withdrawn its strike notice, averting widespread disruption to the education sector. The announcement came on Sunday, August 25, 2024, just hours before the midnight deadline that would have seen teachers across the country down tools.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu addressed the media, stating, “The National Executive Council has agreed today to withdraw the strike notice which was elapsing by midnight.” This decision marks a significant shift in the ongoing negotiations between the union and the government.
The union’s leadership has directed its members to resume duty on Monday, August 26, 2024. “We direct our teachers to resume duty effective Monday, tomorrow,” Oyuu announced, emphasizing the immediate effect of the decision.
While the immediate crisis has been averted, negotiations are set to continue. Oyuu indicated that discussions on remaining issues are already underway: “We have commenced addressing the remaining matters which should be addressed administratively.”
The KNUT leadership sought to reassure its membership of its commitment to their interests. “We assure our members that the union is committed to resolve the matters,” Oyuu stated. However, he also hinted at the possibility of future industrial action if negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results, adding, “failure to which we shall return to the initial position.”
