Striking secondary school teachers in Thika forced their colleagues at Chania Girls High School to join their protest on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Led by officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the teachers gathered at the school gate, singing solidarity songs until some of their peers came out to join them.
Despite their efforts, the protesters were unable to enter the school compound as the gate was locked and guarded by police officers. After a brief exchange with the security personnel, the teachers continued their march through the streets of Thika.
Rose Kiiru, the Kiambu KUPPET County Chairperson, stated that the union chose to defy a court order to resume work because the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had also ignored a High Court order to stop deducting the government’s housing levy from their salaries.
“The court order came too late, as our union had already called the strike after failing to reach an agreement with government representatives. Moreover, we have learned from TSC that court orders can be defied,” Kiiru explained.
She added that the strike has severely disrupted learning in secondary schools and urged parents to take their children home for their safety. “Students are not safe in schools without teachers. Why are some parents in such a hurry to get rid of their children? Are they a burden?” Kiiru questioned.
The strike will continue until the teachers’ demands are fully met by the government, Kiiru affirmed.
