The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has accused the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) of sponsoring the ongoing protests by junior secondary school (JSS) teachers over the new curriculum.
KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion claimed that KUPPET was behind the demonstrations that have disrupted learning in several JSS schools across the country, saying they were aimed at sabotaging the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
He alleged that KUPPET was using the protests to advance its political agenda and to undermine KNUT’s leadership, which has been vocal in opposing the CBC.
He also accused KUPPET of colluding with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education to deny KNUT members their rightful dues and benefits.
Sossion called on the government to withdraw the CBC and revert to the 8-4-4 system, saying the new curriculum was poorly designed, implemented and resourced.
He also urged JSS teachers to ignore KUPPET’s calls for protests and to resume teaching, saying KNUT was the only legitimate union that could represent their interests.
However, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori dismissed KNUT’s allegations as baseless and unfounded, saying KUPPET was not involved in any protests.
He said KUPPET was supportive of the CBC and had been working closely with the TSC and the Ministry of Education to ensure its smooth rollout.
He accused Sossion of being out of touch with the realities on the ground and of misleading JSS teachers with false information.
He said KUPPET was the only union that had the mandate and the capacity to negotiate for better terms and conditions for JSS teachers, who he said were facing numerous challenges under the CBC.
He urged JSS teachers to join KUPPET and to continue with their professional duties, saying KUPPET was the only union that could protect their rights and welfare.
