Teachers in Embu to Begin Nationwide Strike on August 26

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in Embu have finalized preparations for a nationwide teachers’ strike set to start on Monday, August 26. This industrial action comes as a response to unresolved issues surrounding the implementation of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

In a joint press conference held on Thursday, the leaders from both unions made it clear that the strike is definitive and there will be no reversal of the decision. They emphasized that any members who choose to ignore the strike order will be considered traitors and subject to consequences.

The unions have also urged parents to keep their children at home, as there will be no supervision or instruction provided during the strike. “We are advising teachers across the county to remain at home or engage in personal activities until we issue further instructions,” said Josphat Kathumi, the Executive Secretary of KNUT.

Kathumi, along with Rogers Murimi, the Executive Secretary of KUPPET, outlined the primary grievances fueling the strike. These include the failure of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to promote 130,000 teachers who were shortlisted in December 2023, delays in hiring 20,000 new teachers, and non-remittance of third-party deductions. Additional concerns involve the failure to remit capitation to medical insurers and delays in converting 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) and primary teachers to permanent and pensionable positions.

“In light of these issues, we direct all school representatives to ensure that no teachers enter school premises starting August 26 until further notice,” announced the KUPPET Executive Secretary.

The unions also extended their call to teachers in private schools, encouraging them to join the strike and push for improved working conditions. This nationwide action is poised to significantly impact the education sector, with both unions standing firm in their demands for a resolution to the ongoing issues.