Schools are set to open tomorrow and uncertainty has hit parents in the wake of the teachers’ strike that the Kenya National Union of Teachers says will begin on Thursday.
Parents who spoke to a local daily on Wednesday accused the Knut officials of having selfish interests at the expense of learners.
“As a parent to a child who is set to join Form One on Monday, I’m preparing to take my son to school,” a parent was quoted by the local daily.
Another parent Maureen Atieno, whose daughter is going to Standard Eight, said she will take her to school.
“If pupils are sent away, my daughter will return home,” she was quoted.
Earlier, the National Association of Parents termed the strike as rushed and insensitive.
Chairman Nicholas Maiyo said union officials should also consider the Constitution that provides not only for their members’ rights to fair labour relations but also the children’s right to quality education.
However, Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion maintained the strike is on.
He said teachers are exercising their rights enshrined in the Constitution. Sossion accused the Teachers’ Service Commission of using courts to intimidate them.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers National Governing Council was set to meet on Wednesday to discuss issues affecting their members and whether or not to join the strike.
However, a source, who is part of the council, told a local daily that the meeting had been scheduled but officials had not been called.
“So far we are yet to be called to attend any meeting,” he said.