He revealed that the government has not responded to the ultimatum to promote teachers by December 31/FILE
KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion told Capital FM News on Saturday that over 53,000 qualified teachers had been unfairly denied higher perks despite having degrees and diplomas.
Sossion emphasised that teachers have the responsibility of delivering quality education and that they can only do this if they are properly motivated.
“Teachers serve a great purpose in our country. A long time ago and even now education was a qualification if one was to be appointed as a civil servant so teachers play a great role,” he stated.
He revealed that the government has not responded to the ultimatum to promote teachers by December 31 last year which was given during the union’s Annual Delegates Conference that was held in Nakuru.
“During our meeting in Nakuru last month, we called on the government to promote our colleagues. We gave them an ultimatum which they have not responded to till today. It is for this reason that we must take the next obvious step which will eventually culminate in a strike,” he indicated.
He pointed out that the National Steering Committee will meet on Monday and kick-start the process.
“Right now we are on holiday but come next Monday we will convene at our national headquarters and chart the way forward. When you want to go to London, you must first go to the airport. It is sad, but it must be done,” he said.
When you want to go to London, you must first go to the airport
The union’s chairman Mudzo Nzili said that the ratio between teachers and students needs to be boosted to ensure quality education is provided.
“The government should be sincere and kind to the teachers of Kenya. As a New Year’s reward, let those who have qualified at the university level be promoted and their degrees and certificates recognised. This will even serve to motivate them to work harder,” he stated.
Participants at the Annual Delegates Conference in Nakuru had also endorsed an emergency fund to cushion striking teachers.
Every teacher was to contribute Sh100 monthly towards a KNUT reserve fund.
The kitty was to be invested to secure members’ needs during strikes.
About The Author
