Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to initiate negotiations with striking teachers in a bid to resolve the ongoing stalemate that has significantly disrupted learning in secondary schools. Khalwale directed his appeal to TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to end the strike that has paralyzed education in many institutions.
Khalwale’s call follows a recent announcement by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba that the government has allocated substantial funds to address the concerns of educators. The government has earmarked KES18.7 billion for the hiring of junior secondary school (JSS) teachers on a permanent basis, alongside an additional KES13.5 billion for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which includes salary increments for teachers.
“Now that the CS for Education, Julius Ogamba, has announced the release of KES18.7 billion for hiring intern teachers and KES13.5 billion for implementing the CBA on salary increments, we urge Nancy Macharia to swallow her pride and lead the TSC in discussions with the striking teachers to formulate an immediate return-to-work plan,” Khalwale stated.
Despite these developments, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) remains firm in its stance, insisting that secondary school teachers will continue their industrial action until their demands are met. These demands include the permanent employment of intern teachers and the full implementation of the agreed-upon salary increases under the CBA.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), which represents primary school educators, has temporarily halted its planned strike. KNUT cited goodwill from the government and the TSC as the reason for the pause, expressing hope that ongoing discussions will lead to a resolution of their concerns.
Both unions are advocating for the permanent employment of at least 46,000 intern teachers and the promotion of 132,000 current educators. Additionally, they demand that the TSC remit all outstanding deductions and implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA, which they argue is long overdue.
