By Michael Chepkwony

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) says its members will go on strike at the beginning of third term.

Officials said the September 5 strike would go on as planned unless their demand for a 100 per cent pay increase on salaries and allowances is implemented.

National vice-chairman Julius Korir and Executive Secretary Edward Obwocha were speaking on Saturday at Kapsabet Girls High School during Kuppet Nandi County branch Annual General Meeting.

They said adequate mobilisation of teachers in all counties had been done to set the stage for the strike.

“We shall continue to hold meetings in other counties to mobilise teachers to prepare for a tough war,” Korir said.

Realistic figure

The union also opposed a 300 per cent pay increase demanded by Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), saying that it was not realistic.

They said the demand could not be implemented in a single phase.

“What we are demanding is a realistic figure that the Government can implement in one phase. We do not want to encourage them to make promises they cannot honour,” said Korir.

Obwocha said that learning in schools would be paralysed until teachers’ pay slips reflect the changes in salaries and allowances.

“We shall not sign any document with the Government until when teachers have confirmed the changes,” he said. Obwocha told teachers to prepare to down their tools and to fight for their rights.

“It is no longer a matter of threats. It is now real and whatever the Government will say will not change our decision. We need action not empty promises,” he said.

The union officials also accused MPs of “mutilating” the gazetted Teachers Service Bill 2012.

Korir said MPs doctored the Bill without involving teachers who are the key stakeholders.

Other union officials at the function included Homa Bay County Executive Secretary Eliud Ochieng’ and Nandi County Executive Secretary Paul Rotich.

It is not clear whether the Ministry of Education will begin negotiations or will await communication from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission which is mandated to harmonise salaries in the country.