Kuppet

Teacher Drama! KUPPET Unites Against Unfair Treats... and Strikes!

Get ready, Kenya! KUPPET's teachers are striking, and we’ve got the lowdown on what’s fueling their fire!

In a dramatic showdown that can only be described as a showdown worthy of a telenovela, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is gearing up to kick off its much-anticipated teachers' strike starting Monday, August 26, 2024. KUPPET's Secretary-General, Akelo Misori, has rallied his troops with a passionate appeal, underscoring the union's frustration over unresolved grievances against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). With emotions running high and morale low, the educators are determined to voice their concerns, aiming for attention and action on issues stemming from the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that they feel remains unfulfilled.

As KUPPET's convening begins, the Nairobi branch has already stepped onto the front lines with the release of its first-week strike program. This bold move indicates that the teachers are not just gearing up for a protest, but they are strategizing a calculated campaign for systemic change. Uasin Gishu branch secretary Elijah Maiyo has even taken to the streets of Eldoret with his fellow teachers, marching in solidarity for full implementation of the agreement they tirelessly worked for. The air is charged with anticipation as educators across the country prepare to join the ranks of the striking teachers.

In what can only be described as an epic assembly, KUPPET’s National Executive Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike, showcasing the union's unity in what seems to be a classic case of teachers versus TSC. With 68 members stepping up for the cause, the message is clear—enough is enough! They are sending a strong message not just to the TSC, but also to the world: educators deserve to be heard and respected.

As the strike looms ever closer, one has to wonder how this will affect classrooms nationwide. While students may cheer at the thought of an unexpected holiday, the implications of the strike could ripple through the education system in ways we haven’t even begun to imagine. Will teachers win their battle for better working conditions? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, did you know that teachers in Kenya are among the hardest-working professionals? They juggle an incredible number of administrative duties, not to mention the challenge of leading classrooms full of eager minds. Let’s hope they don’t have to take to the streets too often to remind us just how vital they are!