KUPPET Demands Immediate Action from TSC, Enforces School Shutdown

Members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Siaya have fulfilled their threat to halt school activities, as they demand that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) meet their specified conditions. The strike, which began in Siaya Town, reflects the teachers’ dissatisfaction with the TSC’s failure to adhere to previous agreements and promises.

During a press briefing in Siaya, KUPPET’s branch Executive Secretary Patrick Omondi voiced strong criticism against the TSC. Omondi emphasized that the teachers are not prepared to accept any proposals for salary increases or allowances until the TSC resolves issues related to the employment status of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.

Omondi highlighted a critical point: “If we were to accept the proposed salary increases and allowances, where would that leave our colleagues in JSS? They were assured permanent and pensionable employment starting August 1st, but now, the commitment seems to have disappeared, and there’s no further discussion about JSS staff,” he said.

The union is adamant that JSS teachers must be confirmed in permanent and pensionable positions as initially promised. This demand is central to the ongoing dispute between KUPPET and the TSC.

In addition to the issue of JSS employment, KUPPET members are also concerned about the current practice of employing interns in schools. The union argues that relying on interns undermines the teaching profession and could have detrimental effects in the long term. They view the delegation of teaching responsibilities to interns as a problematic trend that could compromise educational standards.

KUPPET’s demands also extend to financial matters. The teachers are calling for the immediate remittance of all statutory deductions to the appropriate institutions. They are also seeking improvements to their medical cover, which they believe should be aligned with a functional and comprehensive scheme.

Omondi expressed the urgency of these issues, stating, “We demand the prompt payment of all third-party deductions owed to financial institutions. We also expect our medical cover to be properly aligned with a functional scheme.”

The teachers have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are fully addressed. Their stance underscores the seriousness of their grievances and their commitment to securing fair treatment and proper working conditions.

The ongoing strike highlights significant tensions between KUPPET and the TSC, with the former insisting on immediate action to resolve these issues. As the situation develops, the teachers’ resolve to enforce their demands remains unwavering, setting the stage for a continued confrontation until an acceptable resolution is achieved.