The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Nandi branch who are currently on strike will on Wednesday plant trees as a form of protest.
Led by their County Executive Secretary Mr. Paul Rotich said with negotiations at a standstill, the teachers have opted to spend their time making a positive environmental impact rather than idling at home.
Speaking in Kapsabet town after staging a demo, the teachers vowed not to return to classrooms until their demands are met by the government.
“We want the government to know that we are serious about our demands, but we also care deeply about our environment. Planting trees during this period of inactivity is our way of contributing positively to society while making a statement,” he said adding that the tree planting exercise will take place in various schools and public spaces across the country.
The initiative has garnered praise from locals and environmentalists who see it as a constructive way to channel the frustrations of striking teachers
“We hope that this act of goodwill will not only help combat climate change but also remind the government of the importance of fulfilling its promises to educators,” said Joel Kipkoech a resident who also called upon the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the teachers to bring the strike to an end.
The teachers have faulted their employer, TSC, for failing to honor the implementation of phase two of their 2021-2025 CBA, promotion of 130,000 teachers and confirmation of JSS intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms.
“We have so many stations in Nandi without teachers. If we want to have quality education in our schools, the presence of human resource is paramount. CBC cannot succeed when we don’t have teachers. Intern teachers cannot be paid Sh17,000, this is a disgrace to our teachers,” said the County Executive Secretary.
By Linet Wafula
