Court seeks solution to teachers' strike
Teachers in a protest march on Harambee Avenue, Nairobi on the first day of their strike called to demand more pay September 3, 2012. An attempt to find a solution to the teachers’ strike is expected to begin September 14, 2012 at the High Court in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- Petitioners say strike violates the rights of children.
An attempt to find a solution to the teachers’ strike is expected to begin Friday at the High Court in Nairobi.
A judge is scheduled to initiate dialogue between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Elimu Yetu Coalition Trust and two parents in an effort to find a resolution to the strike to avoid litigation.
Elimu Yetu Coalition Trust and two parents, Valerie Namtilu Wafula and Susan Wangari Muhoro, have filed two constitutional petitions against Knut and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) seeking to end the teachers’ strike.
The strike, according to the petitioners, violates the rights of children.
Justice George Odunga on Tuesday issued summons to Knut officials, who were accused of avoiding court, to attend court Friday morning to enable the court exercise its powers under Article 159 (2) (c) of the Constitution.
The Article provides that courts and tribunals shall exercise their authority guided by certain principles, including alternative forms of dispute resolution such as reconciliation and mediation.
According to Justice Odunga, the cases relating to the strike can be resolved better by exploring alternative dispute resolution methods rather than outright litigation.
A Cabinet committee formed Thursday is also scheduled to meet to review the demands by the striking public sector workers.
Meanwhile, more witnesses are scheduled to testify at the Milimani Magistrate Courts as the inquest into the death of former university student Mercy Keino continues.
