There appeared to be light at the end of the tunnel in the ongoing teachers’ strike after the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) reached out to the employer yesterday with a view to resolving the standoff.

In a letter to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) titled “Return to Work Formula,” Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori suggested renewed talks to resolve the four-day old strike instead of the court process.

“In light of the fast moving dynamic of the strike, in particular the proceedings instituted in court by the commission, we would wish to handle the matters with you to avoid any protracted battles,” said Misori (pictured).

“You can rest assured that Kuppet is a law abiding institution, hence our readiness to resolve the issues amicably and without prejudice. The union has never preferred the adversarial route as opposed to stakeholder engagement,’ he concluded. But in its response, the TSC maintained that Kuppet first complies with the court order by calling off the strike before negotiations can resume.

“As agreed during the meeting, the Commission has duly implemented the final phase of the CBA 2021-2025 and paid all teachers the salary arrears backdated to 1/7/2024.  The commission has also resolved all the grievances raised by the union vide its letter dated 19/8/2024,” the letter stated.

“To this end, in compliance with the terms of the court order dated 27/8/2024 and duly served upon yourselves, it is the Commission’s position that the Union complies with the Order of the Court and withdraw the ongoing industrial action to enable parties continue with the bipartite negotiations on any unresolved grievance. The commission is ready to engage with you at the earliest opportunity once you comply with the orders of the court,” the letter concluded.

Stories by Noven Owiti, Robert Ochoro, Oliver Musembi and Winstone Chiseremi