School Heads Sends This Message to Parents On School Opening

The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) has issued guidance to parents in preparation for the upcoming school reopening.

On Sunday, August 25, KESSHA chairman Willie Kuria urged parents to ensure their children are ready to return to school on Monday, August 26. Despite the potential disruption posed by a looming teachers’ strike, Kuria reassured parents that measures are in place to protect the well-being of students during their time in school.

“Concerning the impending teachers’ strike, which stems from a labor dispute between teachers’ unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), KESSHA, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and TSC, would like to assure all parents and students that their safety and welfare will be protected in the learning institutions,” Kuria stated.

He further advised parents to proceed with preparations for the third term, which begins on Monday, 26th August 2024.

Kuria’s announcement follows the Kenya National Union of Teachers’ (KNUT) decision to call off its nationwide strike. KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu confirmed that after negotiations with TSC, the strike notice was officially withdrawn on Sunday, August 25.

“We reached an understanding because TSC engaged in discussions with us. Therefore, the strike notice, which was to expire by midnight Sunday, has been revoked by the National Executive Council,” Oyuu remarked.

However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has maintained its stance to proceed with the strike, arguing that TSC has yet to fulfill all of their demands.

“This council voted to continue with the strike,” KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori declared on Sunday.