More than 200 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Bomet County have embarked on a strike, citing the government’s disregard for their concerns.
Gathered in a demonstration in Bomet town alongside representatives from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), they accused the government of neglecting to formalize their employment status, despite receiving a meager monthly salary of Sh17,000.
KUPPET Vice Chairman, Peter Bett, asserted that the government had failed to heed a court ruling invalidating the internships and contracts under which the teachers were employed. Until their grievances are addressed, they vowed not to resume teaching duties.
Bett emphasized that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should compensate the JSS teachers for their services rendered since February of the previous year. According to him, the Constitution mandates the TSC to employ teachers on a permanent and pensionable basis, and the current contractual arrangements are unacceptable.
He criticized the government’s stance on teacher employment, highlighting discrepancies between official policies and the actions of certain politicians who allegedly exploit their influence to secure employment for their allies.
Joseph Bett, the KUPPET Treasurer, urged parents to make alternative arrangements for their children’s education, given that the striking teachers may not return to classrooms due to inadequate pay.
The union representatives also accused TSC officials of engaging in corrupt practices during the hiring process. Allegations of bribery, with claims that individuals seeking permanent employment are required to pay bribes of up to Sh400,000, prompted calls for transparency and accountability from TSC officials.
Bett called upon President William Ruto to intervene in the matter, warning that failure to address these issues would have detrimental effects on the education sector nationwide.
JSS spokesman, Mungen Kipruto, affirmed their commitment to fighting for their rights through legal channels, even if it means risking termination of their employment. He stressed the importance of creating a conducive working environment for teachers.
