NAIROBI – The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has launched a sharp critique against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), alleging a failure to implement critical commitments made during a high-profile meeting with President William Ruto earlier this year.
Unfulfilled Promises on Promotions and Allowances
In a statement, KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori outlined a series of what the union terms as unmet pledges. Chief among these is the alleged stagnation in the promotion of teachers to higher job grades, a process Misori claims has not progressed as agreed.
“The TSC has not delivered on key commitments made during the meeting with President Ruto. Promises were made regarding the promotion of teachers and the enhancement of certain allowances, but we have yet to see tangible action,” Misori stated.
The union contends that this inaction is directly impacting teacher morale and welfare, creating frustration within the profession.
Frozen Negotiations and Stalled Dialogue
Beyond specific promises, KUPPET has raised concerns over a broader breakdown in dialogue. The union claims that negotiations on the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have effectively stalled, with the TSC showing a lack of urgency in returning to the bargaining table.
This perceived stalling tactic, according to KUPPET, undermines the spirit of the tripartite engagement that involved the union, the TSC, and the Office of the President.
Call for Immediate Government Intervention
With the impasse deepening, KUPPET is now calling for direct intervention from the highest levels of government. The union is urging President Ruto and the National Treasury to step in and compel the TSC to honour the commitments made and resume good-faith negotiations.
This public accusation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the giant teachers’ union and the employer, setting the stage for potential industrial unrest if the grievances are not addressed promptly. The ball, KUPPET asserts, is now in the government’s court to salvage the agreement and avert a crisis in the education sector.
