Teachers stay away from classes as schools reopen

Schools reopened for the third term on Monday as teachers made good their threat to stay out of work until a salary increment deal negotiated 15 years ago is implemented.

Primary and secondary schools opened countrywide, but students idled in the lawns basking the morning sun as their teachers dug in with their demand for a pay rise. Learning in private schools, however, kicked off smoothly.

The teachers strike defies an order by Industrial Court Judge Pyrum Ongaya issued on Friday following an application by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) claiming the strike was unconstitutional.

Knut has asked for a 300 per cent salary increment and immediate implementation of the 1997 Legal Notice 534 in regard to the allowances payable to teachers.

A spot check in Bungoma, Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties indicated pupils loitering in school compounds as teachers vowed to proceed with the strike until their demands are met.

In Nandi County, about 8, 000 teachers said they would not attend classes in support of the strike.

A teachers' meeting called by the county KNUT officials is scheduled for Monday morning.

In Trans - Nzoia, secondary school students loitered in Kitale town after they reported to their various schools and found no teachers.

Area KNUT Secretary has maintained no learning will take place.