KNUT issues fresh seven-day strike notice

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has issued a fresh seven-day strike notice, despite efforts by the government to avert an industrial action when schools re-open for the third term, on August 26, 2024.

The strike, Oyuu said will commence on the midnight of Sunday, August 25, 2024.

This, is after government interventions so far, reportedly failed to convince teachers not to go on strike.

According to Oyuu, no concreate action has been taken by the government towards preventing the looming strike, despite the union having communicated their grievances to the Ministry of Labour.

“I have today issued a strike notice. Teachers shall down their tools and withdraw their labour, and schools will not open until this matter is resolved. We have communicated to the employer several times but they have not responded,” said the SG.

On the other hand, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has also alerted the government of an impending strike.

The unions are pushing for full implementation of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), among other grievances.

This week, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua held a meeting with Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) officials, in a bid to avert the teachers strike.

“The union raised several key issues, including the delay in implementing the second phase of the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which promised a salary increment of 7% to 9%, as well as concerns about the teachers’ medical scheme, non-remittance of SACCO and loan deductions, and delays in retirement benefit payments,” said the former Machakos governor, after the meeting.

“I assured the union leaders of my commitment to finding swift resolutions to these issues and pledged to collaborate with my Cabinet colleagues and other relevant government bodies to address their concerns,” he added.

The meeting, Mutua added, reflects the government efforts to ensure that the interests of workers are safeguarded and that industrial relations remain cordial.

Schools are expected reopen for the third term, on August 26, 2024.