Drastic measures needed to avert strikes

As they promised, teachers have staged “the mother of all strikes” that has left the nation in a state of confusion. Emboldened by a Supreme Court ruling, teachers have been defiant and adamant in their demand for a pay increase as awarded by the courts. Judging from expressions from various individuals and groups, the teachers seem to have the support of a significant section of the populace. And why not? The teachers have been at this matter for decades. The only point of concern for many is the fate of millions of children in public schools, and especially KCPE and KCSE candidates, who have fallen victim to the work stoppage.

Yet, even as many rally in sympathy with teachers, the government equally has a legitimate argument against honouring the pay increase. As has been rightly argued, to raise the teachers’ salaries with such high percentages would open a Pandora’s Box that could spin the government remuneration structure out of control. Indeed, due to serious perceptions of inequity, many civil servants are keenly awaiting the outcome of the teachers’ strike. It is this dilemma that has placed the government between the rock and a hard place — and there are many who sympathise with the national leadership on the same.