In an unexpected turn of events, secondary schools across Kenya have been thrown into disarray following the sudden suspension of the teachers’ strike by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) on Monday evening.
The announcement came too late for many students who had already been sent home, leading to widespread confusion and financial strain for parents.
By Tuesday morning, parents were faced with a chaotic situation: some schools demanded the immediate return of students, while others failed to communicate any clear instructions. This lack of coordination has resulted in significant distress and unnecessary financial burdens on families.
In the Coast region, schools such as Kenyatta Boys High School in Taita Taveta, Kituri, and Eldoro Girls High School had closed indefinitely just hours before the strike ended. As a result, parents were scrambling to manage their children’s return.
Many schools issued text messages requiring students to report back by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, with additional instructions that those who could not return on time must be accompanied by their parents.
Ms. Joan Achieng, a parent from Mvita, expressed her frustration: “My son arrived home around 7 p.m. only to learn from the news that the strike had been suspended. The confusion has cost me an extra Sh5,000 in fares.”
Similarly, Paul Mutiso from Kitui noted the financial strain: “I am unable to raise the fare now. School heads should extend the deadline until Monday,” highlighting the challenges faced by parents who had to send their children back home due to the strike.
In Kilifi, Abdalla Ahmed reported additional expenses of Sh3,000 to return his child to school, while Agnes Mwadzuya faced difficulties managing the cost of sending her daughter back to Matende Secondary School in Kakamega County.
In Nakuru County, parents such as James Kimutai were dismayed by the timing of the strike suspension, expressing frustration over the expenses incurred to bring their children home.
“The government and the union must get their acts together,” Kimutai urged, pointing out the devastating impact on many families.
In Nyanza and Western regions, parents voiced concerns about the insensitivity of both the striking teachers and the government.
William Ochieng from Busia County criticized the decision to send students home after the strike was resolved, questioning the rationale and the additional financial burden imposed on parents.
The sudden end of the strike has not only caused logistical chaos but also raises concerns about the impact on students’ academic performance as the third term begins.
Kuppet suspended the strike following an agreement with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), with Union Secretary General Akelo Misori stating that most of the contentious issues had been resolved.
As the education sector grapples with these disruptions, parents remain hopeful that future incidents will be managed with due diligence to avert future inconveniences.
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