The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has opted to cancel the looming teachers strike originally slated for Monday, August 26, following a decisive meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) on Sunday.

In an announcement made today, August 25, 2024, KNUT Secretary General Collins Henry Oyuu confirmed the union’s decision to withdraw the strike notice, set to expire at midnight.

This move comes amidst ongoing administrative efforts to address outstanding issues with the government.

“We have decided to withdraw the strike action notice in light of recent developments and our ongoing discussions with the government,” stated Oyuu in the official communication.

KNUT emphasized that while it remains sceptical about certain government measures, it acknowledges the positive intent demonstrated to address their demands.

These demands include securing permanent employment for 46,000 Junior Secondary School teachers, and promoting 130,000 teachers.

And swiftly implementing the second phase of the 2021/2025 amended Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KNUT and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Discussions with the TSC revealed progress, with 51,232 promotions already effected and third-party deductions remitted, alongside assurances on the CBA implementation timeline.

Despite these steps, KNUT asserts it will vigilantly pursue outstanding issues to ensure teachers’ interests are fully met.

“While we have called off the strike for now, our commitment to our members remains steadfast. We will continue to engage rigorously until all demands are satisfactorily addressed,” KNUT assured its members.

The union concluded by affirming its readiness to reinstate the strike notice should negotiations falter.