Schools refuse to join strike by teachers

Busia, Kenya: Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA), Busia branch yesterday dismissed claims that private schools have joined ongoing teachers' strike.

Addressing journalists in Busia, Kenya National Union Teachers (Knut), Teso Executive Secretary Deogratius Owaya said he was 'reliably informed' that private schools will be closed on Friday in support of the strike.

"This is a positive sign from our brothers who own private institutions. That is the way to go to make the Teachers Service Commission eventually succumb to teachers' demands," he said.

But Busia KPSA Executive Secretary Michael Ikolak told Knut to carry its own cross and stop dragging private schools in 'their squabbles'.

"Private schools would lose heavily if they joined the strike. Please, keep us off your tussle with the government," said Mr Ikolak.

Ikolak also said the quarter system in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education selection was impacting negatively on private schools, causing an exodus of pupils from private schools at Standard Six and Seven.