Leaders from West Pokot have asked teachers threatening to go on strike next week to give new Education CS Julius Ogamba time to settle.
Led by former Governor John Lonyangapuo, the leaders said those aggrieved should have dialogue with the concerned authorities to find a lasting solution.
"Today if my cow is refusing to lactate, I should not take a stick and lash at it. Instead, I will try milking it again tomorrow. I am appealing to our good brothers and sisters in the noble teaching profession to kindly call off their intended strike and have a sit-down with the government," he said.
Lonyangapuo said in every agreement, there is always room for amendments and teachers should open room for discussions, instead of staying adamant.
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong told off teachers’ unions officials, saying the call for a strike was ill-advised.
“This is not the right time to bring this discussion on the table because the country is still recovering from the the anti-government protests,” he said.
The MP urged teachers to be sensitive and concerned about the welfare of learners set to sit their final exams this year, saying they too will be affected if the strike goes on.
“Third term is usually a very delicate moment and learners need no disturbance because it is their main exam term," Lochakapong said.
"Having a strike at this time is being selfish and insensitive, therefore I call upon the teachers to rescind their planned strike and give the government time to iron out any issues being raised.”
Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto accused the Ministry of Education officials of "showing non-commitment in coming up clear to explain what was happening".
He said the teachers have a right to express their grievances but no official has come out to explain.
“We want the new Education CS Julius Ogamba, among other education officials, to clearly tell us what the problem is,” Moroto said.
Kuppet and Knut have declared a nationwide strike for all teachers beginning August 26.
On Friday, President William Ruto directed the National Treasury and the Ministry of Labour to have a sit-down with teachers to avert the strike.
During an annual general meeting in West Pokot, teachers representative asked the government to adhere to the court order and the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2023.
Kuppet deputy secretary general Moses Nthurima said the union will hold meetings in all 47 counties and urged teachers to resist any deal with the government. He said internship offers are illegal and none should abide by them.
“From August 26, our teachers will be travelling to look for their money, which means they will not be in school," Nthurima said.
"This is the message we are bringing to both the country and the parents that teachers will not be reporting back to school, so they will have to make contingency arrangements to have their children at home or bring them to school to take care of themselves.”
Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga said the government has been offering teachers fake promises and onwards, the union shall not listen to any further promises.
“The CBA we are talking about is already deposited in the bank and we expect the government to pay. We also expect the government to employ the young people as promised," she said.
