The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has taken a firm stance against engaging in negotiations with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) amid the ongoing teachers’ strike. The TSC insists that any talks can only proceed once the union complies with a recent court order to suspend the strike, which has disrupted learning in secondary schools across the country.

In a letter directed to KUPPET’s Secretary-General Akelo Misori, TSC’s Director of Legal, Labour, and Industrial Relations, Calvin Anyour, emphasized that the commission has already addressed the grievances raised by the union. He urged KUPPET to immediately halt the industrial action, as per the Employment and Labour Relations Court’s directive, to allow for constructive discussions moving forward.

“The Commission has resolved the issues raised by the union and is prepared to continue negotiations on any unresolved matters. However, this can only happen once the union abides by the court order and calls off the strike,” stated Anyour.

This development follows the court’s order on August 26, 2024, which temporarily halted the strike pending further legal proceedings set for September 5, 2024. The court’s intervention came after the TSC filed a legal challenge, arguing that the strike was unlawful.

Despite the court order, KUPPET has maintained its position, expressing a preference for dialogue over prolonged legal battles. In response, the union requested a meeting with TSC to address the ongoing issues and to negotiate a return-to-work formula. However, TSC has remained steadfast, refusing to engage until the union fully complies with the court’s directives.

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has also weighed in on the matter, calling for both parties to return to the negotiation table. Atwoli criticized the TSC for relying on the court order to pressure the teachers, urging the commission to instead seek an amicable solution that benefits all parties involved.

As the situation stands, the standoff between TSC and KUPPET continues, leaving thousands of students in limbo as the strike drags on. The government’s recent disbursement of Ksh 13.5 billion for the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has done little to resolve the impasse, with both sides holding firm to their positions.