By AUGUSTINE ODUOR
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Okuta Osiany has asked teachers to go on with the strike until the Government honours their demands.
Speaking to The Standard for the first time since he fell ill in the run up to the start of the strike, Osiany reiterated the union’s position and insisted that teachers must be well remunerated.
“Let the Government know that teachers will not return to work for as long as the Government is not willing to address their demands,” he said on telephone.
He also offered a word of encouragement to the teachers and his union officials to “keep the fire burning”.
He said he would join the teachers as soon as his doctors allow him.
Osiany fell ill in his Kisumu home a few days to the start of the nationwide strike. He was later referred to a city hospital where he has been recovering. Knut National Chairman Wilson Sossion has since led the union in pushing on with the strike.
Osiany asked President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure schools are opened immediately to enable them prepare for examinations.
“I have followed these strike developments keenly and we are not amused at how the Treasury has played games with teachers. It is time the two principals took charge of the crisis,” he said.
He added: “We know there is money to give the teachers. And Knut is willing to negotiate with the State. We can solve this as soon as the Government side demonstrates commitment to engage meaningfully.”
