Term 3 Learning in Jeopardy as KUPPET Issues Seven-Day Nationwide Strike Notice

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), threatening a nationwide strike unless the commission promotes all teachers as promised by President William Ruto.

The union says only 34,000 teachers have been promoted out of the 50,000 positions directed by the President in September 2025, leaving others yet to be promoted.

As a result, the development raises the possibility of disruption of learning when schools reopen for the third term at the end of August.

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori accused the commission of failing to fully implement the directive, citing discrepancies in the number of advertised vacancies.

“Commission’s failure to advertise the exact number which the president himself had pronounced on 50,000 vacancies which he himself mandated that on 13th September 2025,” Misori said.

KUPPET Issues Strike Notice

He stated that the union could resume industrial action if the issue is not addressed within the stipulated timeline.

“In the event that the Teachers Service Commission does not do justice to this, then they are calling back industrial action that we had thought was now behind us,” he added.

Also Read: TSC to Promote 34,016 Teachers: Requirements and Application Process

Moreover, Misori said industrial action would affect learning across the country.

“When we now move to involve our teachers in industrial action, it will not serve this country well,” he said.

Union Cites Past Promotion Delays

KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba said teacher promotions had previously been halted for several years, noting that fewer positions were advertised than directed.

“Previously, promotions had been completely halted. For 10 years, they were frozen. But when the President directed the Teachers Service Commission to promote 50,000 teachers, they are now advertising 34,000. There must be an issue here, and we are telling the Teachers Service Commission to correct this immediately,” Milemba said.

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Background on Teacher Promotions

Teacher promotions in Kenya have faced delays in the past, with unions raising concerns over limited advancement opportunities.

In September 2025, President Ruto directed the promotion of 50,000 teachers as part of efforts to address career stagnation within the profession.

TSC has in recent months been implementing the promotions in phases, with thousands of teachers moving to higher job groups.

KUPPET says it expects the Teachers Service Commission to address the issue within seven days.

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Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary-General Akello Misori (centre) and other Kuppet officials address the media in Nairobi on September 20, 2024. PHOTO/Evans Habil, Nation Media Group