By Dorothy Musyoka
In a decisive move to address growing concerns within the education sector, a meeting was held today between the government and the National Steering Council of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
The meeting, led by KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu and National Chairman Patrick Munuhe, centered around critical issues that have raised tensions among educators and could potentially lead to a nationwide teachers’ strike.
“Today, I met with the National Steering Council of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), led by Secretary General Collins Oyuu and National Chairman Patrick Munuhe, to address growing concerns that could potentially lead to a nationwide teachers’ strike,” CS Mutua said.
According to Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua the union raised concerns including delayment of implemementing the second phase of the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In addition to the salary concerns, the union highlighted ongoing issues with the teachers’ medical scheme, the non-remittance of SACCO and loan deductions, and delays in retirement benefit payments.
“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,” stated CS Mutua.
The government delegation, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Labour Shadrack Mwadime, assured the union leaders of their unwavering commitment to finding swift and effective solutions to the issues raised.
Labour CS emphasized the government’s dedication to safeguarding workers’ interests and maintaining cordial industrial relations, the user reiterated the importance of industrial peace in ensuring a stable and productive educational environment.
The government pledged to collaborate closely with relevant Cabinet members and other government bodies to address the concerns of the teaching fraternity.
However the meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene with KNUT representatives in a week time to assess the progress made and continue with the dialogue.
This engagement reflects the government’s broader efforts to foster a collaborative approach to resolving labor disputes and ensuring that the rights and welfare of workers are upheld.