MPs ask Government to intervene to avoid teachers' strike

Kenya: Five western MPs have asked the Government to intervene to avoid teachers' strike slated for January 5, 2015.

Speaking on Sunday during the 'Emmanuel Wangwe Football Tournament' finals at Navakholo grounds, the legislators asked the National Government to negotiate with teachers to avoid the strike as it will affect learning in public schools.

Led by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, they asked the Government to call for talks with Kenya Union of Teachers (KNUT) to get amicable resolutions to teachers' dilemma.

"We are asking the Government to intervene and urgently call for a crisis meeting with KNUT to avoid the planned strike. The strike will affect studies of our children in public schools" said Wangwe.

He urged the two sides (Government and KNUT) to listen to one another and agree to settle the matter before schools open for first term in 2015.

Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi said the Government should give teachers a better offer to avoid the looming strike which will paralyze education in all public schools.

He appealed to KNUT also to accept the offer the Government will present to them for the sake of innocent Kenyan child.

"We do not want to see our children at home because of teachers' strike, the Government should intervene for the sake of the poor Kenyan child who cannot afford education in private schools" said Agoi.

His words were echoed by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama who asked the Government to solve teachers' issues before schools open next year.

"There should be proper communication between the Government and KNUT to ensure that the planned strike is avoided as it will affect learners in public schools yet their colleagues in private schools continue with their normal learning" said Wanyama.

Butere MP Andrew Toboso said teachers have a right to be paid well and the Government should ensure that they give them a better salary.

"The Government should stop blame game and respond to teachers' demands because they have a right to better payment. It is the Government's duty to ensure the strike is called off before schools open by addressing issues surrounding teachers' payment" said Toboso.

Lurambi MP Raphael Otaalo criticized the Government for keeping on postponing teachers' pay talks without giving a lasting solution.

He said since 1997 the Government has not been able to offer a solution on teachers' payment and the stalemate should be solved quickly.

 

"The Government should stop postponing teachers' payment stalemate, since 1997 we expect the Government to have gotten a lasting solution to avoid teachers' strike threats each term" said Otaalo.

Meanwhile, they said the security law can be amended after six months giving any leader a chance to introduce changes in the law.

They said everyone is concerned about security of the country especially at this time when the country is faced with numerous security challenges.

Webuye East MP Dan Wanyama said Security law is not bad as it is being alleged.

"Citizens should accept the security law because it deals with safety of the people. If there are issues it can be rectified like the constitution. Only 20 per cent might be wrong but everyone should read and understand it. Security has been deterioting and it is high time a law was put in place, with security residents have freedom to conduct business and it will boost economy of the country," Wanyama said.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe said with the security law for those opposing the law have a right to go to parliament and rectify it.

"After six months the laws are taken back to parliament and debated. Sectors which have negative impact to citizens can be rectified," said Wangwe.

Lurambi MP Raphael Otaalo echoed his sentiments by saying that security law should be followed and sectors which have a problem be implemented.

"A few sectors need implementation in the security law. That should be done soon for safety of citizens because not all bills passed are 100 per cent right," said Otaalo.

Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi public should have been allowed to participate in security amendments law.

"Security touches all citizens, next time they should be given a chance to participate so as to know which the problem is and how best it can be rectified," said Agoi.