On Tuesday, May 4, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), issued four demands to the Education Ministry ahead of school reopening on Monday, May 10.
According to KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori, he urged the ministry to republish the term dates for parents and school heads to avoid confusion. He also asked the ministry to address the uncertainties around the resumption of learning activities for all grade levels.
Misori also pointed out the issue of capitation funds noting that the government was behind schedule in releasing capitation funds.
“Even more important, the ministry must expeditiously address the financial constraints in schools ahead of the reopening. As we speak, it is way behind schedule in the disbursement of capitation funds
“Activities in many schools are closely grounding to a halt with headteachers and principals unable to meet some of their schools’ obligations,” Misori stated
The union pleaded with the Ministry to address the teachers’ deficit in schools at both the primary and secondary school levels.
In a statement, Misori noted that Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure would crumble if another surge were to be witnessed in the country.
He at the same time urged the government to equip public health facilities with the necessary Covid-19 management facilities including oxygen, ventilators, and medicines to improve the level of care for Covid-19 patients.
The KUPPET Secretary-General in a statement said the Union was in support of the scientifically proven Covid-19 control protocols and commended the government for the Covid-19 vaccination initiative, which has benefitted a large number of frontline health workers and other essential workers including teachers.
The policy of 100 percent transition into secondary schools for KCPE candidates and new class establishments had revealed a shortage of about 97,000 teachers.
Today, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary-General Wilson Session has been de-registered as a teacher.
The Employment and Labor Relations Court dismissed his attempt to save his position as a teacher within the corridors of justice after a similar attempt in 2019 flopped.
The decision by Justice Stephen Radido is a blow for a man who has been at the helm of the teachers’ union since 2016 and had already started plans for Knut national elections.
It, however, remains to be seen whether the latest judgment is the end of Sossion’s bittersweet career after years of a frosty relationship between the Knut and Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
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