Teachers Ready to Strike: Opposition to Ruto Changes
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is being asked for an explanation by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) regarding the implementation of the Housing Levy and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions. The government carried out these deductions without prior consultation with these two organizations.
In a conversation with GossipA2Z.Com, Peter Amunga, the Communications Director of KNUT, affirmed that the unions have provided a two-week timeframe for the commission to address the notifications. If the commission fails to comply, the unions will take serious measures, potentially leading to a strike.
Amunga additionally verified that these complaints were brought up in a seminar that took place at Tom Mboya Level College in Kisumu on Saturday, August 4th.
The seminar united educators from across the nation, who voiced their concerns about how the reductions have impacted their means of living.
The educators expressed their disappointment at being left with no alternative but to adhere, given that the government plans to apply taxes retroactively due to the Court of Appeal’s ruling to revoke the injunctions that were halting the enactment of the Finance Act, 2023.
“Teachers are calling for an industrial strike. The unions had an agreement with the TSC that they will not cause a strike in the middle of the school learning calendar. This was effected after the pandemic so that learners can catch up with the academic calendar,” he stated.
“The agreement, however, doesn’t hinder the unions from striking. A strike option is provided for in Kenyan labor laws and the unions can call for a strike.”
One of the issues the teachers are protesting is contributing to two schemes; NSSF and a Provident Fund established by TSC.
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NSSF rates entail a monthly deposit amounting to 12% of an individual’s monthly earnings. This comprises a deduction of 6% from the employee’s pay and a matching 6% contribution from the employer.
On the flip side, the educators also add 7.5 percent of their earnings to the Provident Fund.
Amunga states that the tutors are now feeling highly discouraged from proceeding with the academic schedule due to this situation. He observed that the educators are in favor of the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK’s) decision to pursue legal action regarding the recently imposed taxes.
The expert in communication also raised doubts about the far-reaching changes suggested by the Presidential Working Party on Education regarding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Among the suggested modifications, certain significant alterations in the educational system involve a reduction in the number of subjects taught within Junior secondary schools.
This reduction would entail a decrease from 14 subjects to 9 subjects, with additional limits set for pre-primary (5 subjects), lower primary (7 subjects), and upper primary (8 subjects).
Additional ideas consist of eliminating school classifications and implementing compulsory three-month community service for every senior school graduate.
The report has also suggested that individuals who have graduated from university should engage in a nine-month period of community service.
Teachers Ready to Strike: Opposition to Ruto Changes
