Teachers in several towns in Kenya went on strike on August 26, 2024 to protest against their working conditions. According to the teachers, the strike will continue until the government addresses the relevant issues affecting teachers across the country.
Secondary school teachers in Kenya launched a demonstration on August 26 2024, following their union’s announcement of an indefinite strike. Teachers gathered in several towns across the country to express their dissatisfaction with their working conditions, which they described as precarious. The government has promised to release funds for long-awaited pay rises, but the teachers are demanding far-reaching changes.
All 900 teachers at Moi University have laid down their tools and there will be no teaching or learning at the university until we receive our salary arrears and monthly contribution payment worth 4.1 billion chilling.
Okero Richard, President of the UASU chapter
The Kenyan Union of Post-Primary Teachers (KUPPET) demands the promotion of 130,000 teachers, the integration of 46,000 others on permanent and pensionable terms and the payment of statutory deductions and loans to the bodies concerned, as well as better medical insurance. The union has urged its members to remain closed until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
We want full implementation and restoration of medical cover for teachers. It was 22 billion, they have reduced it to 11 billion now, they are insured to the tune of 15 billion, let that be paid and they will increase. We want post-primary teachers to be promoted with good pay.
Stephen Yogo, Executive Secretary, KUPPET
Parents’ associations have urged striking teachers to engage in dialogue to avoid further disruption, particularly in the run-up to the end-of-cycle exams, which are crucial for the third term. The government has said it is ready to continue negotiations, but the unions have warned that protests will continue until their demands are met.
