BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale County KUPPET teachers have called for the immediate closure of schools amid the heightened nationwide teachers strike.
The county Kuppet Executive Secretary Leornard Oronje said they have written to the Coast Regional Education Director to have the schools closed for lacking meaningful learning activities.
“Your office is aware that there is a nationwide strike which was called by KUPPET teachers, and that the strike in now on second week. Our members have totally withdrawn labor and are not in learning institutions and the learners are very idle,” said Oronje in a letter.
Oronje further noted that with teachers currently on strike, learners and school property are at significant risk due to the lack of supervision.
He acknowledged that while the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is usually responsible for managing teachers, the union takes over during industrial action.
Oronje urged the regional director of education to instruct heads of public learning institutions in the coast region to close schools immediately and indefinitely to protect both learners and school property.
He highlighted that school principals and the few Board of Management (BOM) teachers present are insufficient to cover the duties of the striking teachers.
Oronje also called on the Ministry of Education to prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety for parents and guardians.
He advised that students should only return to school once KUPPET has called off the strike, and assured that teachers will not be held responsible for any issues that arise in schools during this period.
Speaking in a phone interview Oronje vowed that teachers will continue to stay away from schools.
Oronje said teachers won’t bore down to pressure and intimidations until all their demands are addresses.
“No TSC will go back to teaching unless our demands are fulfilled,” he said.
Oronje stated that the strike is ongoing and announced plans for demonstrations in Samburu sub-county on Wednesday.
He also indicated that there are plans to involve BOM teachers in the strike to fully disrupt learning activities across all schools.
Kwale KUPPET Treasurer Umi Maloba reported receiving numerous threats but affirmed their commitment to the strike until their demands are met.
She warned that if the government does not act swiftly, they are prepared for an indefinite strike.
Maloba also highlighted concerns that the workload on BOM teachers will soon become overwhelming.
