PRESS STATEMENT
CONSULTATIVE MEETING BETWEEN THE TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION AND KUPPET ON THE INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY MEMBERS OF KUPPET
1. On August 21, 2024, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) held joint talks with the key trade unions (KNUT, KUPPET and KUSNET) with a view to averting the planned industrial action called by their union officials. During the talks, the TSC announced that the Government had released funds for the implementation of the 2nd phase of the CBA with effect from 1st July 2024
2. Nonetheless, members of KUPPET went on strike starting on June 26, 2024. Following the industrial action, the TSC has today held bi-partite negotiations with the union with a view to ending the work boycott through Alternative Dispute Resolution as provided for in the Recognition Agreement between the parties.
3. To this end, and after a day-long meeting, we are happy to report to the nation that we have reached an amicable settlement, which will enable our teachers resume duty immediately.
4. As promised on August 21, 2021, the Commission is today pleased to confirm that the Government provided funds for the implementation of the 2nd phase of the CBA with effect from 1st July 2024.
5. Therefore, the Government has successfully implemented all the provisions of the 2021-2025 CBA with the teacher unions. Specifically, the 2nd phase of the CBA, which was due on 1st July 2024 was duly paid in August 2024 together with arrears. To this end, the Commission issued the implementation circular (copy attached) to all teacher unions including KUPPET as envisaged in the CBA 2021-2025.
6. Further to the full CBA 2021-2025 implementation, the Commission has addressed other issues that were raised by KUPPET as follows:
| SN | ISSUE | REMARKS |
| 1. | Review of the CPG | Has began in earnest |
| 2. | Remittance of third-party deductions | Resolved |
| 3. | Medical Scheme | Funding has been restored and teachers can now access both public and private hospitals under the Scheme |
| 4. | Transition to CBC | The Government has provided resources for retooling of JSS teachers |
| 5. | Promotion of Teachers | The TSC has already promoted 51,232 teachers under competitive promotions. The Commission shall continue promoting teachers as and when budgetary allocations are availed by parliament. |
| 6. | Commencement of the new round of CBA | To commence once KUPPET submits their memorandum of Demands |
7. Parties have agreed that any other pending issue(s) will be resolved through bi-partite negotiations as is the practice.
8. We, therefore, wish to thank KUPPET for exploring an Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism as means to resolve labour disputes and for agreeing to call off the strike.
9. The Commission wishes to thank all our teachers for the sacrifice they have always made and the incredible job they continue to do to ensure smooth learning activities in our schools. No teacher will be victimized for participating in the industrial action.
10. The TSC wishes to profusely thank the Government, under His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, for providing adequate resources for the full implementation of the CBA and all other teacher programmes despite the harsh economic environment. The TSC is committed to provide a conducive working environment for all the teachers in its employment.
DR. NANCY NJERI MACHARIA, CBS
COMMISSION SECRETARY/CEO