Francis Wambugu Irungu Teachers affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Kirinyaga County have warned of possible escalation if the government fails to address a raft of pressing concerns. The teachers, drawn from Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) across the county, convened at a hotel in Kutus where they unanimously resolved to intensify their push for solutions to long-standing issues affecting their welfare and working conditions.
At the top of their agenda was a passionate call for justice for Mwalimu Betty Wanjiru Nyaga, a teacher from Ithiga Ria Njuki School who was recently murdered. The teachers urged investigative agencies to fast-track the case and expressed deep frustration over what they described as a lack of urgency from the authorities.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. We are calling on investigative teams to hasten investigations so that justice is served,” said Charles Gachoki, KUPPET Executive Secretary.
The teachers further demanded that the government treat the matter with the same seriousness accorded to cases involving senior government officials, firmly asserting that teachers are equal citizens deserving of equal protection under the law and that their lives are no less valuable.
The teachers also raised serious concerns over the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme, which they said has largely failed to meet their medical needs on the ground. They called on the joint committee comprising SHA, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), KNUT, and KUPPET to visit teachers at the grassroots level and properly understand their needs before making sweeping decisions on their behalf.
They were clear that if the scheme continues to underperform, the government must offer a practical alternative.
“If SHA is not working, let the government give teachers a medical allowance to allow teachers to get a medical insurance of their choice,” said Paul Mboto, KUPPET Kirinyaga County Chair. The teachers stressed that healthcare access is not a privilege but a basic right, and that the current situation is untenable.
Frustration was equally evident over delayed payments for work done during the 2025 national examinations. Teachers who marked and invigilated the exams said they are yet to receive their dues, a situation they warned could have serious consequences for the upcoming 2026 examinations. Mboto did not mince his words on the matter. “We have already registered 2026 candidates. Who will invigilate and mark this year’s exams? The Cabinet Secretary for Finance should stop playing games with teachers, and we want the money allocated to our accounts immediately,” he said. The teachers maintained that it is unjust to expect continued dedication from professionals whose past efforts remain uncompensated.
The teachers also pushed for the full confirmation of all 44,000 JSS teachers into the civil service, out rightly rejecting any proposal that would see only a fraction confirmed while the rest remain in limbo.
Josphat Mwendia Kariuki was blunt in his remarks. “The courts were very clear that internship for teachers is illegal. We are familiar with the divide-and-rule games the government wants to play, and we will not allow the confirmation of 20,000 teachers while leaving 16,000 out. Confirm all,” he said.
Finally, the teachers turned their attention to the legislative arena, urging Members of Parliament to reject Session Paper 1 of 2025 when it comes before the National Assembly. They argued that granting greater autonomy to Junior Secondary Schools is the most sustainable and practical solution to the operational and structural challenges they continue to face daily.
The meeting ended with a resolute message to the government that patience among teachers is running thin, and that meaningful action, not promises, is what is urgently needed.
