Knut declares teachers strike

"The government did not consult us on the Sh53 billion laptop project” Knut chairman, Wilson Sossion (left) while addressing the press on June 24, 2013. Photo/BILLY MUTAI

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) on Monday declared a nationwide strike over failure by government to pay allowances.

This is the seventh strike the teachers have had since 2007.

Knut National Chairman Wilson Sossion accused the government of playing politics on the matter since they are bound by the Notice 534 of 1997.

Legal Notice 534 of 1997 — tasked the government to increase teachers’ hardship, special, house, medical and commuter allowances.

"We have assessed the behaviour of the government and discovered they are using primitive divide and rule method. It will not work," he said.

"We have declared the teachers strike effective midnight," he added.

Mr Sossion also said that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will not have powers to instruct teachers and that directives will be issued by Knut.

Knut acting secretary general Xavier Nyamu said the union had narrowed down their demands allowances agreed upon in 1997.

"All these allowances must be paid in total. We have gone to the ministry and presented our issues," said Mr Nyamu.

"We are telling teachers that the sec-gen will give guidelines on their conduct during the strike. Our teachers should begin by handing over in their respective schools today," he added.

Mr Nyamu also appealed to parents to withdraw their children from schools as teachers will not be available.

"The ball is now on the government's side, we will sit down and watch," said Mr Nyamu.

Mr Sossion also reiterated that teachers will only negotiate for a concluded collective bargaining agreement.

"What teachers want is money. Those advising the president should tell him we shall not negotiate less than we have declared," said Sossion.