The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Nyamira branch has announced plans to participate in a nationwide strike next week unless their concerns are addressed.
According to branch representatives, persistent issues such as unpaid allowances, teacher welfare concerns, and policy disputes have compelled the union to issue a strike ultimatum.
The union is demanding that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) promptly settle outstanding supervision and marking payments owed to teachers since December of the previous year.
During a transition ceremony where outgoing Nyamira Executive Secretary Lewis Nyakweba handed over to newly elected officials, branch Executive Secretary George Ayieko and Chairman George Makaa emphasized that the union is also advocating for the confirmation of more than 2,000 junior school intern teachers and reforms to the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical program.
The representatives criticized the current SHA coverage, noting it provides reduced benefits compared to the previous MINET scheme.
“Under MINET, teachers enjoyed a daily limit of KSh 2,500 with access to more medical facilities. Now they are restricted to KSh 1,000 with limited options,” explained Ayieko.
Additionally, KUPPET called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to ensure the timely distribution of capitation funds to schools before the second term begins.
“The immediate release of capitation funds is essential as schools are reopening in three days,” stated Makaa.
The union cautioned that teachers will proceed with nationwide demonstrations when schools resume for the second term on April 29 if their concerns remain unresolved.