Teachers' strike still on, Knut officials insist

Who's Online

By Beauttah Omanga

The Kenya National Union of Teachers insists the January 19 strike is on despite Government recognition of a rival group. Knut officials said no amount of intimidation and schemes to divide teachers would scuttle plans to go on strike as planned.

Addressing a news conference in Nairobi yesterday, the officials, led by union Secretary-General Lawrence Majali, said Knut had members in secondary schools, teachers’ colleges and other tertiary institutions, who had vowed to go on strike.

"The Government has recognised Kuppet in a move to undermine our intended strike. That alone will not make our strike fail. Our members are determined to press on and nothing will stop us," said Mr Majali.

New offer

He, however, said they were ready to re-negotiate with the Government on condition it "puts a new offer on the table".

Yesterday, Education Minister Sam Ongeri could not be reached for comment on Knut’s willingness to meet the Government team afresh.

Knut also criticised a senior Teachers Service Commission official for allegedly meeting Kuppet officials with the aim of undermining them.

"The TSC official has demonstrated he is not a genuine member of the salaries remuneration committee. If he is working behind our back with Kuppet, we might be forced to demand his removal," said Majali.

Knut Chairman George Wesonga and national Treasurer Fred Ontere said the union would call off the strike if the Government makes a new offer.

Last week, the Government formally recognised Kuppet as a union and in return, the union accepted the Government offer and promised to call off their strike scheduled for January 15.

Council meeting

Meanwhile, Kuppet holds its national executive council meeting today in Nairobi.

Secretary-General Njeru Kanyamba said members, mainly in job groups K to R, are happy with the increments and have no reason to go on strike.

He denied claims that Kuppet was out to undermine Knut saying: "We have nothing to do with their decisions. Ours is to champion the rights of our registered members."

Last week, Prof Ongeri made what he termed the Government’s last offer, ruling out any further concession.

He said the Government would not reconsider the offer, which it is ready to implement in three phases starting July 1.

He added if the union fails to accept the offer, he would refer the matter to the Ministry of Labour.

He said the matter will then become a pay dispute and the Government offer would be withdrawn immediately.