Samwel Samson, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
Teachers across in Kenya boycotted classes on Tuesday morning as schools in that country reopened for their final term in this academic year. A nationwide teachers strike now threatens to disrupt preparations in the run up to this year's national examinations by standard eight and form four candidates.
Teachers in Kenya lament of inadequate staffing which affects the quality of teach especially with the influx of students since the introduction of free primary education in 2003.
On Tuesday, students around the country reported to school on the official opening day but the Kenya National Union of Teachers, KNUT was holed up in a strategy meeting. The KNUT National Executive Council resolved that the strike will go on until the Government acts on its demands. ''The strike will go on until the Government has employed the 28,000 teachers,'' said David Okuta, KNUT Secretary General
Crisis talks between teachers' officials and the Government over employment of 28,000 teachers collapsed on Monday evening the eve of the teachers strike. The Government admits there is a shortage of 70,000 teachers but says it has no money.
Treasury says it’s looking for over six billion shillings in a week’s time to solve the teachers standoff, '' We know the Government has asked for a week to look for money, they should work very fast. Our main aim is to withdraw labour and let it bite,'' Okuta said.
The Industrial action comes a week after the teachers Union issued a strike notice, but the Government dragged feet stepping in too late in the day.
The tug of war between Government and teachers emanates from Government's decision to reallocate money initially meant to be used in hiring of additional teachers to appraise the department of defense and increasing Members of Parliament's salaries to cushion them from feeling taxation burden. In its financial estimates, the Government had already allocated money for recruitment of teachers.
Nonetheless an outburst by Kenyan Members of Parliament objecting Kenya Revenue Authority's move to tax their salaries and allowances blackmailed the Government into diverting the funds to raise MPs salaries.
Teachers in Nairobi held a peaceful demonstration around the Kenyan capital city, carrying placards with messages to the Government to employ more teachers saying there is no compromise about it. KNUT officials have urged teachers to uphold high decorum during the strike period. Teachers are required to assemble at KNUT offices near them every Friday to pray for the Country.
The strike is set to go on for unspecified period of time with school going students loosing on getting education. But the teachers body says the speed at which the Government will move to unlock this crisis will determine how long the strike will last.
In the meantime candidates in public schools will be feeling the heat as they prepare for their final examinations. No learning went on the first day of schools on Tuesday and this is expected to continue for the next one week lest an amicable solution between Government and teachers is reached soon.
As learning in public schools is paralyzed, candidates admitted in private institutions continue preparing for the final year examination of which they will be competing with candidates from public schools for limited slots in institutions of higher learning
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