By Jackton Ambuka
The process through which Kenya National Union of Teachers’ (KNUT) suspended their strike was ridiculous and cowardice. In the first place, the strike was enforced to demand for better remuneration, working terms and conditions for teachers.
But unceremonious suspension of strike before teacher’s demands were met in toto raised more questions than answers. Not that we don’t have money. To the contrary, we have money but it is wasted through corruption and selfishness. Moreover, political class thinks they own Kenya and Kenyan money. Here are interesting facts According to Jacktone Ambuka, admin BDB-:
1. We hear that KNUT officials were afraid of being jailed for disobeying a court order that banned teachers strike. In our opinion, it wasn’t a court order Parsee. It was a political order. Political orders should be disobeyed. The fact that they are planning to suspend the order and dismiss contempt charges against the KNUT officials proves it was a political order.
2. If we were a country of laws, KNUT officials would be behind bars over contempt charges. But because we are a country of impunity and empty political rhetoric, it is hard to distinguish between political orders and court orders.
3. Teachers strike was valid because it was a platform to demand fulfillment of a legal agreement the government reneged upon. Teachers had every right to demonstrate.
4. Our political leadership has a tendency to increase their own salaries and allowances without fending for other hard working Kenyans.
5. History shows that street protest is the perfect language our political class listens to. Whenever Kenyans want anything done, they should and must go to the streets.
6. The government has promised to release Sh16.2 billion to cater for teachers’ commuter, responsibility and reader allowances. The lowest paid teachers will take home 6,000 extra shillings and the highest paid teachers will take home 16,000 extra shillings. The government should have averted the strike and enabled continuity of school calendar by paying teachers their dues in phases.
7. Things shouldn’t have come this far. Sadly, it took a strike for our government to listen and honor the legal agreement. As far as KNUT is concerned, they should remain steadfast and fight for better terms and conditions for teachers.
8. Teachers and KNUT’s compromise was good but their exit strategy was cowardice. What are your thoughts…