The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a seven-day strike notice, demanding action from the government on pending financial obligations.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, March 14, KUPPET warned that teachers across the country would down their tools if the government fails to release over Ksh39 billion owed in school capitation and medical scheme remittances.

The union accused the government of disregarding court orders and failing to uphold the return-to-work agreement signed in August 2024, which was officially submitted to the courts. “The government is in contempt of court,” KUPPET stated.

According to the union, the government has yet to release Ksh28 billion meant for school capitation and Ksh11 billion allocated for the teachers’ medical scheme. KUPPET revealed that while a partial disbursement was made in September, capitation funds have remained unpaid for the past eight months.

This funding crisis has led to students being sent home, despite directives from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba instructing schools to retain learners regardless of unpaid fees.

The CS had previously assured that Ksh14 billion in capitation funds was in the process of being disbursed, with the remaining amount set to be released soon.

However, KUPPET pointed out that instead of the expected Ksh11,000 per student, the government has only disbursed Ksh4,000. “Many students were sent home after midterm to find money,” KUPPET officials noted.

In August 2024, KUPPET led a nationwide teachers’ strike that lasted a week, disrupting school operations. The strike was aimed at pushing for the full implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), teacher promotions, and improved employment terms for junior secondary school educators.

Following negotiations, KUPPET and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) reached a deal to end the strike. The government committed to funding the second phase of the CBA from July 1, 2024, ensuring salary adjustments and reinstating financing for the teachers’ medical scheme.

The agreement was filed in the Employment and Labour Relations Court, making it legally binding. However, with the current financial challenges, KUPPET is now pressuring the government to honor its commitments or face another nationwide teachers’ strike.