We want all demands met, teachers unions say

By Vitalis Kimutai

Kenya: The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) are adamant that even as the High Court is expected to make its ruling this morning on the validity of the strike, teachers will keep off their workstations until all their demands are met.

The unions said the Government had not engaged them in structured talks over the industrial action and that threats by Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof Jacob Kaimenyi to withhold teachers’ June salaries is illegal.

“Kuppet has always been open to talks with TSC but the Government chose to go to court. We are waiting for the High Court ruling on Monday then we will chart the way forward,” Akello Misori, the union’s secretary general told The Standard.

Xavier Nyamu, Knut Secretary General said TSC must meet all the demands raised by the union before the strike could be called off.

“The Government must honour the agreement signed with the union and stop threats to sack the teachers. The ongoing strike is protected by law,” Nyamu said.

Justice Linet Ndolo of the Industrial Court is this morning expected to rule on a case filed by TSC through deputy Solicitor General Muthoni Kimani seeking to compel Knut and Kuppet to negotiate over the strike.

Kimani claimed during the hearing last Friday, Knut was trying to use a back door to de-gazette Legal Notice Number 15 of 2003, which if allowed, will distort the salary harmonization process.

She said KUPPET had no issue with the Legal Notice as their issues were on harmonization of commuter, leave, medical, house and responsibility allowances, promised to teachers in September last year.

And speaking in Mukurweini area in Nyeri County, Nyamu said it is a pity that at least 112,000 teachers earn less than Sh3,000 house allowance, and accused the Government over the delay to employ more teachers.

He said the ongoing nationwide strike by teachers was a genuine call for a better remuneration.

“We are calling on the members of the public to understand that we are genuinely asking what we deserve.