CS Migosi urges striking teachers to go back to class

 In a recent appeal, Cabinet Secretary for Education Mr. Julius Migosi Ogamba urged striking teachers from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) to return to their classrooms, assuring them that their concerns are being addressed by the government.

Migosi highlighted that the government has allocated Sh13.5 billion specifically for the salary increments of teachers for July and August, a key issue at the heart of the ongoing strike. Additionally, Sh18.7 billion has been set aside for the employment of 46,000 intern teachers under permanent and pensionable terms. He emphasized that the government has fully implemented the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2021-2025 and called on the teachers to resume work to mitigate the impact on students.

“We are in active discussions with Union officials regarding the teachers’ concerns. As proof of our commitment, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is working diligently to ensure that all public school teachers receive their salary increments by the end of this week,” Migosi stated. He stressed that these payments are part of the ongoing implementation of the CBA, following the National Treasury’s release of Sh13.5 billion.

Migosi made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 54th annual Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) conference in Naivasha. The event also saw the induction of 2,000 Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers who will be assigned to various institutions across the country to help revitalize the sector. ATUPA aims to innovate and advance Technical, Vocational Education and Training institutions across Africa.

The Education CS also noted that despite the strike, students have continued to attend school for the third term. This, he attributed to increased confidence among parents and guardians, following the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) decision to call off their planned strike.

“To restore full industrial harmony within the education sector, the government is in talks with KUPPET. We are optimistic that these discussions will lead to a resolution, with KUPPET members returning to work soon, given that the government has met the second phase of the CBA and is addressing other administrative issues through the TSC in a collaborative manner,” Migosi said.

Migosi also highlighted President Ruto’s recent announcement about the recruitment of an additional 20,000 teachers by the end of the year to improve the teacher-student ratio in public schools. Furthermore, Sh18.7 billion has been allocated for converting intern teachers to permanent and pensionable status starting January 2025.

“All major issues that led to the strike have either been resolved or are on track for resolution within short timelines. We urge any teachers who have not yet resumed their duties to return to their stations to prepare students for national assessments and to ensure that the curriculum for other classes is covered, facilitating a smooth educational transition,” Migosi urged.

The CS acknowledged the various challenges he has faced as a new appointee, including union strike notices, university funding issues, and the distribution of capitation funds to schools. He assured the public that efforts are being made around the clock to resolve these problems.

Migosi committed to leading ongoing discussions with relevant authorities to address remaining issues and ensure uninterrupted learning in both public schools and higher education institutions. The KNUT and KUPPET had initially planned strikes set to begin at midnight on the eve of schools’ reopening. However, KNUT withdrew their strike at the last minute, citing the government’s willingness to address their grievances.

The unions had called for strikes over multiple issues, including the promotion of 130,000 teachers, the absorption of 46,000 intern teachers into permanent positions, and the remittance of statutory and loan deductions. Currently, Kenya employs over 220,000 teachers in public schools, with nearly 60,000 of them, predominantly in secondary schools, being KUPPET members.