Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has addressed the ongoing strike by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and lauded KNUT for withdrawing their strike notice.
CS Migos in a statement on Monday, August 26 stated called on KUPPET to review their stance and to call off their strike noting that the government is ready to address issues raised by the unions.
“I therefore call upon the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), to review their stance and to call off their strike,” he stated
“The Government has demonstrated goodwill and readiness to address all the issues raised. We therefore see no reason for confrontation.”
He said the decision by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to call off the teachers’ strike was timely, because it has enabled the re-opening of schools.
In addition, the CS said that seamless operations in schools are particularly important this term, as students prepare for the different national assessments and examinations due in a few months’ time.
“We appreciate the critical and indispensable role that teachers play in the education ecosystem. We cannot afford to take them for granted,” notes CS Ogamba.
CS Ogamba on School Reopening
CS Ogamba also revealed that he visited several schools across Kajiado, Machakos and Nairobi Counties to witness and confirm the resumption of school operations for the third term.
While on the tour, the CS said he monitored the progress of the construction of Grade 9 classrooms.
The CS assured that resources are already available for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement and the retooling of teachers, to make them CBC-ready.
Also Read: TSC Clarifies Withdrawal of Teachers Salaries Ahead of Monday Strike
“This is why as a government; we will do all we can to better their terms and conditions of service. We will also continue to equip them and to build their capacity, so that they are better prepared to discharge their mandate as we roll out the Competency-Based Curriculum,” reads part of the statement.
Moreover, CS Ogamba said concerns around access to the medical cover, career progression guidelines and promotions of teachers, are being addressed administratively by the Teachers Service Commission.
He added that the government has given due priority to teachers, despite the various competing needs and the very difficult economic circumstances that the country is operating in.
JSS Capitation
Furthermore, the CS has urged school managers to make prudent use of the resources that have been disbursed, adding that the government has disbursed Ksh21.8 billion in capitation for Primary, Junior and Secondary Schools.
He also warned that action will be taken against any official found misappropriating these funds.
“As the responsible Ministry, we are keen on ensuring that every cent that is disbursed to schools, is accounted for. We will not hesitate to take swift action should any case of misappropriation be established,” reads the statement in part.
Also Read: KUPPET Takes Stand on Teachers Strike Hours to Schools Reopening
Likewise, CS Ogamba said school heads should not withhold examination certificates due to candidates, on account of unpaid school fees.
According to the Education CS, certificates are the right of every student who sits national examinations hence, school heads should find other administrative ways of ensuring that students pay any fee balances, without hindering their progression by withholding their certificates.
He assured that his ministry will not take any chances in ensuring schools are ready and conducive for learners.
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