The Employment and Labour Relations Court has temporarily suspended the strike by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, popularly known as Kuppet, following a petition by the Teachers Service Commission. Hosting the parties, Justice Byram Ong’aya put under advisement the case until September 5, 2024. Despite the court’s ruling, Kuppet members vowed to continue with their strike until their demands are fully addressed.
Impact of the Strike on Schools
The third term opening has coincided with the strike, which has paralyzed learning in secondary schools across the county. A spot check in Changamwe subcounty revealed how most teachers in the region are absent, with few students reporting to various classes. Bomu Secondary School had a depressing report as only 26 out of 583 students showed up, as 10 TSC-employed teachers avoided classes that day, leaving only 12 BoM-employed teachers in school.
Parents like Moses Israel were worried about the strike’s implications on learners, more so Form Four students who had to struggle and try to complete the syllabus in time. Israel called for parents with students in day school to send them as he believes the school environment is more conducive and safer rather than the children staying at home.
Students’ Response
At Bomet County, there was a resolve by students who attended secondary schools in a bid to see continuation of studies having been disrupted by the strike as they flocked the bus terminus at Bomet Town on Monday morning. Such students are taking proactive steps to prepare for the new school term, even in the face of uncertainty.
It’s the unfolding of events that shall determine the future of this continuing dispute between Kuppet and the government, depending on the suspension of the courts for their strike action and the hearing scheduled for September 5.