The week-long teachers’ strike that disrupted learning in secondary schools was brought to an end on Monday following a lengthy meeting between the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
On Monday evening, Kuppet announced the suspension of the strike, instructing all public secondary school teachers to return to work. This decision came amid rumors of pressure tactics and unmet demands from the teachers.
However, union officials stated that their decision was based on recent progress made on the key issues that had triggered the strike.
The announcement was unexpected, as just a day earlier, on Sunday, the union’s National Governing Council had convened in Nairobi and resolved to continue the strike until the employer agreed to a return-to-work formula.
Kuppet successfully negotiated the reinstatement of the previously reduced medical allowance, ensuring that teachers can access healthcare in both public and private hospitals.
“Moreover, significant progress has been made in addressing the long-pending promotions, with the TSC now working to secure funds to promote as many teachers as possible.
“In compliance with the court order and to enable continued discussions, we have decided to suspend the strike and urge all our teachers to resume their duties. We remain committed to resolving the remaining issues swiftly in collaboration with the commission,” said Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori.
Image from nation.africa