By Ernest Bandi
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), demanding the immediate commencement of discussions on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Failure to initiate the talks, the union warns, will lead to nationwide industrial action.
KUPPET officials disclosed that they have already formally notified the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, following the TSC’s prolonged silence after being served with a letter concerning the proposed agreement.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kakamega, KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori expressed concern over the employer’s indifference toward a matter that directly affects the welfare and motivation of teachers.
“We have already written to the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection to register a dispute with our employer. That letter gives the Minister seven days to intervene and facilitate engagement with TSC. This is the only option left—we don’t want our members overexposed in the absence of a CBA beyond June 30,” said Misori.
KUPPET National Chairperson Omboko Milemba also called on the TSC, the Ministry of Labour, and the National Assembly’s Education Committee to take responsibility and urgently address the teachers’ demands.
In a separate statement, Milemba criticized ongoing discussions that could lead to the removal of the national examination fee, warning that such a move would undermine the principle of free and compulsory basic education.
“Examination fees are an integral part of basic education. Eliminating them would be a violation of Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education. Any attempt to shift that burden to parents is unconstitutional,” Milemba emphasized.
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