Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) tutors have threatened to go on strike from October 2 if their grievances over examination administration, curriculum changes and the Social Health Authority (SHA) are not addressed.
The Kenya Union of Specialised and Vocational Education and Training (KUSVET) says no tutor will report to class once the strike begins, insisting that their demands must be met.
KUSVET Secretary-General Kepher Oguwi said the decision to strike was reached during a conference held on September 10, following what he termed serious challenges facing technical institutions.
Oguwi said tutors have lost confidence in the Competency-Based Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC), accusing it of mismanaging examinations, including sending exam papers via email.
“We have noted that CDACC is not equipped to administer exams to students in technical institutions,” Oguwi said, questioning the security of examination papers sent electronically.
The union has demanded an end to the emailing of examination papers, arguing that the practice raises concerns about exam security and administration.
Tutors are also opposing what they described as frequent and unexplained curriculum changes. Oguwi said the curriculum had been changed several times over the past three years, with a new version, referred to as Circular 4, introduced last week.
The union wants CDACC to withdraw the circular, arguing that a new curriculum should not be introduced after students have already reported to institutions.
Tutors further raised concerns about uncertainty over when students should undertake industrial attachments, saying the lack of clear guidelines is affecting both learners and trainers.
The union also cited challenges with SHA services, claiming that some tutors and students are being informed at health facilities that their medical cover is limited to treatment costs of KSh 5,000.
Oguwi said the Ministry of Labour had written to the union asking it to suspend the strike and enter negotiations. However, he maintained that the union would proceed with the industrial action if its demands are not addressed.
“We are officially starting our strike on October 2 if our issues are not addressed. We are not going to be intimidated by anybody,” he said.
The union also expressed concern over students dropping out of TVET institutions amid the challenges affecting training and assessment.
