Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), has expressed strong support for the ongoing teachers’ strike.
Speaking to the press in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Atwoli criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for repeatedly using court orders to intimidate the striking teachers.
Atwoli urges teachers to continue with their strike
He emphasized that teachers should not relent in their strike until all their demands are met by the government, insisting that the strike is the most effective way to pressure government into action.
Atwoli also called on the TSC to initiate new negotiations with teachers’ representatives to find a sustainable solution to the deadlock.
In addition, he questioned the timing of the court orders, arguing that such measures would have been more effective if issued immediately after the strike notice was given, rather than after the strike had already commenced.
His remarks emerged in the wake of statements by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), that had insisted on continuing with the teachers strike.
For instance, Murang’a KUPPET branch chairperson urged teachers to continue the strike until the government fulfills its promises, particularly regarding promotions and salary increments.
