The Head of Public Service Mr. Felix Koskei has called on striking members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to end their industrial action and resume teaching.
Koskei assured the teachers that the government is fully implementing the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was negotiated between the union and the government.
Speaking during an inspection tour at Kaimosi Farmers’ Training Centre (FTC) ahead of the upcoming World Food Day celebrations in October, Koskei emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by teachers, particularly those related to the Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
“Regarding the issue of JSS teachers, the government has allocated funds to ensure the recruitment and deployment of more teachers to ease the burden and improve the quality of education,” Koskei stated.
He urged the teachers to reconsider their stance and return to classrooms, noting that the ongoing strike was detrimental to the students’ academic progress.
His remarks come amid growing tension between the government and the teaching fraternity, with KUPPET members citing unmet promises as the primary reason for the strike.
As preparations for World Food Day proceed, Koskei also took the opportunity to inspect the facilities at Kaimosi FTC, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the event.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that key public services, including education, continued to run smoothly despite the ongoing challenges.
The World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, is expected to bring together various stakeholders to discuss and promote strategies for achieving food security in the country.
By Linet Wafula
