Kuppet is demanding the Government to immediately convert 46,000 intern teachers into permanent employment.
This is after Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori, accompanied by Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima, issued a strike warning on 19th July 2024, saying their demands were matters of urgency. Misori further wanted the employment of 20,000 new intern teachers for Junior Secondary Schools.
Misori termed the move by the government to reduce the funding for education as a result of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. He adds that the move has repercussions on the education sector. While before the Committee of Education sitting in the National Assembly, Chaired by Tinderet MP, Julius Melly, Misori explained the issues while Teachers Service Commission, TSC, boss Nancy Macharia said that intern teachers will have to wait longer for permanent posting amid budget cuts.
Kuppet’s Specific Demands
Kuppet’s demands include:
- Conversion of 46 000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms with immediate effect.
- Full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Disbursement of past-due medical funds with immediate effect.
- Employment of 20 000 new teachers for JSS to accommodate the transition to Grade 9 next year by 1.2 million learners.
Government’s Response and Budget Constraints
According to Dr. Nancy Macharia, increases in the pay for teachers, as reflected in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, were part of the many programs that the government would not be able to implement due to austerity measures. This has been brought about by a Sh10.28 billion cut in the TSC budget. With this cut, it means the second phase of the CBA that was to increase teachers’ basic salaries by up to 9.5 percent cannot be implemented.
Misori expressed expectations that within the shortest period, teachers would get their confirmation letters and an upgraded salary translated in their bank accounts. He condemned the government for the casual nature given to teachers’ welfare and equally condemned the Salaries and Remuneration Commission for allowing the government to undermine the rights of workers. He emphasized the full implementation of the CBA, cut off August 2023.
Legal and Industrial Action
Dr. Macharia said that failure to implement the CBA might lead to court cases and strikes. She told the committee that they had informed Treasury about the impact of the cuts, and that funds available can only accommodate salaries. Misori insisted that despite giving minimal benefits, the CBA agreement had to be adhered to because it went through the full legal process to the extent of being registered at the Employment and Labour Relations Court. He insisted that the agreed benefits were non-negotiable and had to be honored.