Chaos are raging in the education sector following a conflict between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the teachers’ union Kuppet that resulted in a countrywide strike.

Though the union called off the industrial action last evening, damage has already been done. Learning has largely been paralysed, students returned home and in some instances school property was destroyed and teachers assaulted. Secondary school students have already more than a week of learning.

Teachers went on strike on August 26, agitating for the conversion of 46,000 Junior Secondary School teachers’ employment terms to permanent and pensionable; the hiring of 20,000 new teachers; and the promotion of 130,000 tutors who have stagnated in various job grades for years.

Knut members, who had initially threatened to join their counterparts in secondary schools in the strike, withdrew after the government agreed to almost all their demands.

Kuppet has accused TSC of only making “empty promises” that the agency is not willing to turn into concrete agreements. The union cited a loss of trust and confidence in the government.

That the strike arose from the government’s delay in implementing a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2021, speaks volumes about the government’s penchant for disregarding its pledges.

Another strike, by medics, recently stalled operations at hospitals.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) is also on the verge of kicking off a nationwide strike to protest alleged salary delays, partial payments and concerns about a new university funding model.

Kenya has become a country of protests against a government that hardly addresses grievances voiced by the people. The government’s unfortunate attitude should be a point of reflection.

One of the ways to prevent these strikes is for the government to ensure it implements all agreements signed with employees. There is an urgent need for the government to reclaim the lost trust and confidence of citizens.

The third term is the most heavily congested period in Kenya’s education calendar as students prepare for national exams. Whatever the grievances, the children’s best interests should take precedence.