Sharp divisions rock KUPPET over move to call off teachers’ strike

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) branch officials from the Nyanza and Western regions are now calling for the resignation of the national office, following the call to suspend the teachers’ strike on Monday evening.

Speaking in Kisumu, Vihiga County executive branch secretary Savala Inyeni differed with the call made by the union’s secretary general Akelo Misori, saying that the move was unprocedural.

Inyeni accused the top leadership of abandoning the cause, saying that the agreement between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the union was a raw deal.

He claimed the agreement it failed to shed light on the most contentious issue which is the stagnation of teachers in various job groups.

On his part, Kisii County branch executive Joseph Abincha also accused the top national officials of sabotage, indicating that the suspension was done in contravention with the union’s Constitution.

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori had on Monday evening announced a suspension of the strike directing all teachers to report to work on Tuesday, pointing out that majority of the contentious issues had been resolved.

“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 then.

On her part, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia gave a reassurance that no action would be taken on teachers who took part in the strike.

She added that the steps were necessary to ensure teachers report to school and provide quality education to students. 

"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," Macharia noted.