Disappointment as Mudavadi Fails to Answer Teachers' Calls at Kuppet Convention

Disappointment clouded the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Silver Jubilee and Annual Delegates Convention on Monday, December 18, 2023, as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi delivered a speech that failed to address the teachers' most pressing demands.

Mudavadi, representing the Ruto administration, was the keynote speaker at the event, eagerly awaited by teachers hoping for concrete answers on issues like increased pay, permanent and pensionable terms for interns, and adequate government funding for education. However, his address fell short of their expectations.

"The government has committed that they will be given letter of confirmation after serving for one year," Mudavadi stated, acknowledging the plight of intern teachers but offering only a partial solution that fell far below their demand for permanent status.

His remarks on other crucial issues were equally vague. Regarding salary increments, he simply mentioned the government's "commitment to the welfare of teachers," without providing any specifics or timelines. On education funding, Mudavadi spoke of "economic diplomacy" to ensure teachers could find jobs abroad, a measure seen as an inadequate substitute for increased government investment in local education.

"We had high hopes for this convention," lamented a Kuppet delegate, speaking anonymously to express frustration. "Mudavadi's speech was a letdown. We need concrete action on our demands, not empty promises."

The delegate's sentiment resonated with many colleagues. Social media erupted with criticism of Mudavadi's address, with #MudavadiFailsKuppet trending high. Teacher unions like Knut voiced their solidarity with Kuppet, urging the government to address their collective concerns.

Meanwhile, Kuppet officials maintained a diplomatic tone, expressing appreciation for Mudavadi's presence but reiterating the need for tangible solutions. Union Secretary-General Akello Misori stated, "We will continue to engage with the government and push for our demands. The fight for better education and teacher welfare goes on."

Mudavadi's appearance at the Kuppet convention, while intended to offer a bridge between the government and the teachers, has instead widened the gap. The lack of concrete answers has cast a shadow over the union's celebrations and fueled further disillusionment amongst Kenya's already frustrated educators.

Whether the government will respond to the pressure and engage in meaningful dialogue with teachers to address their demands remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the echoes of disappointment from the Kuppet convention will continue to resonate unless concrete action is taken to address the issues plaguing Kenya's education sector and its passionate teachers.

Form One Placement Results Released, All KCPE Candidates to Join Junior Secondary School

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Monday, December 18, released the results of the Form One placement for candidates who sat the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. Speaking at Lenana School in Nairobi during a meeting with regional and county education directors, Machogu announced that all the 1.2 million candidates who sat the KCPE exam were placed in secondary schools.

"I wish to announce that this year's Form One selection was fully computerised from national to sub-county levels," Machogu said. He added that the process was fair and transparent, with most candidates getting their schools of choice. He also noted that special candidates, candidates from slum areas, and candidates who scored more than 400 marks were given priority in the placement.

Machogu also revealed the results of the 2023 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which was conducted for the first time to assess the competency of learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He said that the KPSEA reports were available for schools to access through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) portal. He directed the KNEC to collaborate with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to assist the schools to properly interpret the reports for learners and parents.

The CS further announced that all the KPSEA candidates would transit to Junior Secondary School, which is the second phase of the CBC. He said that the government had invested in the infrastructure and resources to ensure a smooth transition. He also said that the government was committed to ensuring 100% transition from primary to secondary school, and urged the county and sub-county education officials to work with the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to facilitate the enrollment of every child in secondary school.

Machogu also addressed the issue of school fees, saying that the government had disbursed the free day secondary education funds to all public secondary schools. He warned the school heads against charging extra levies or sending away learners for lack of fees. He also urged the parents and guardians to support the education of their children by providing them with the necessary learning materials and personal effects.

The CS also thanked the stakeholders in the education sector, including the KNEC, the KICD, the TSC, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and the media for their support and cooperation in the implementation of the CBC and the administration of the national examinations. He also congratulated the learners, teachers, and parents for their hard work and resilience amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Machogu concluded his speech by calling on all the Form One students to report to their respective schools from Monday, February 6, 2023. He wished them success in their secondary education and urged them to uphold discipline and integrity. He also reminded them to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.