On August 26, 2024, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) initiated a nationwide strike to demand fair treatment from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). This industrial action stemmed from unresolved grievances tied to the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Central to the dispute was not just a call for salary increments but also an appeal for respect, better working conditions, and professional dignity for Kenya’s teachers, who felt marginalized by the current system.
The strike saw teachers from across the country refusing to report to classrooms, causing a significant disruption to the academic calendar. KUPPET’s primary demands included the release of overdue medical scheme funds, full implementation of the CBA, and the permanent employment of intern teachers. At the outset, KUPPET had support from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), but KNUT later withdrew its strike notice, citing progress in talks with TSC. This division weakened the collective strength of Kenya’s teachers as the strike progressed.
The strike ended suddenly on September 2, 2024, after the Labour Court in Nairobi issued a temporary injunction, halting the industrial action until further legal proceedings. KUPPET leaders instructed teachers to resume work immediately, signaling the influence of the court order on their decision. Legal challenges posed by the TSC, aiming to enforce educational continuity, were a key factor in the suspension of the strike.
Effects of the Strike:
- Educational Disruption: Classrooms remained empty during the strike, leading to interruptions in the academic calendar, which could impact students’ performance.
- Public Sentiment: While some parents supported the teachers’ demands for improved working conditions, others criticized the strike for its negative impact on students.
- Economic Impact: The financial stress faced by teachers came to light, highlighting broader economic issues that could affect the quality of education and morale within the profession.
Achievements or Compromises:
The sudden conclusion of the strike points to several possible outcomes:
- Legal Pressure: The injunction from the Labour Court played a pivotal role, signaling that legal action might be a more effective method for TSC to handle future industrial unrest.
- Negotiation Prospects: KUPPET’s decision to suspend the strike suggests that negotiations with the TSC might have reached a more promising phase, though details of any agreements remain unclear.
- Union Solidarity: The withdrawal of KNUT’s support indicated possible internal differences between the two unions, which could weaken teachers’ collective bargaining power in the future.
Whether KUPPET leaders compromised or acted out of fear is a subject of speculation. TSC’s legal approach could have introduced caution, making union leaders more inclined to resolve matters through negotiation rather than confrontation. The sudden end might also hint at unseen pressures within the union leadership or external forces influencing their decision-making process.
The KUPPET strike underscored ongoing tensions between Kenyan teachers and the government. Though the strike ended suddenly, the underlying issues — from pay disputes to professional recognition — remain unresolved, signaling that further action could arise unless substantial reforms take place. While the immediate battle has ended, the conversation about teachers’ rights and dignity continues to be a pressing issue in Kenya’s educational sector.