Babu Owino has made an appeal to KNUT-TSC officials to sort out their differences saying that students must always be a priority.
This was in response to the strike notice issued by the KNUT/KUPPET over alleged violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement signed with the Teachers Service Commission.
Babu Owino noted that the education sector was mired in controversy during the year 2018 that saw confusion reign power struggles in the Ministry of Education hindered the smooth implementation of the new education system.
He says that this was a result of poor preparation by those charged with overseeing this transition calling into question what would happen to the millions of young students affected by this.
According to the Embakasi East MP, the confusion has had a negative effect on the preparations put in place for the 2019 academic year.
“To compound this further, parents must now contend with the possibility of their children missing out on crucial learning time due to the stand off between Unions and the TSC.”he stated
He also notes that this confrontation is untimely since it comes at a time when close to half a million young Kenyans are transitioning from Primary School to Secondary School.
“It would be very unfortunate if this crucial chapter in their academic journey was hampered by KNUT-TSC politics.” he added
In line to how this is affecting parents, Babu Owino mentioned that parents have deprived themselves during the festive season and taken loans to pay fees for the new year on time. Therefore he says that it is only fair that the students get their money’s worth.
“I wish to make a special appeal to all parties involved to resolve the outstanding issues with speed so that our children can report to school on time. Our children must always come first! ”
His remarks come a day after the court ordered that the strike should be called off and students to report back to school.