The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have issued the government a seven-day ultimatum following the killing of a Junior Secondary School teacher in Samburu County.
The unions have threatened to withdraw teachers from high-risk areas, stage demonstrations and paralyse learning across the county if authorities fail to address their security concerns.
The teacher, identified as Mark Dancun Lemaramba, was teaching at a school in Samburu East when he was allegedly killed by unknown assailants.
The unions are demanding urgent investigations and arrests of those responsible for the teacher's death.
Teachers Demand Immediate Arrest of Suspects
KUPPET and KNUT representatives in Samburu said they were deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding Lemaramba's death.
They called on the Ministry of Interior, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the police to move swiftly and identify those responsible.
The unions want all suspects arrested and prosecuted through the judicial system.
They further demanded that those found guilty face the maximum penalties provided under the law.
The unions warned that failure by security agencies to act could force teachers to take industrial action across the county.
Unions Demand Security for Teachers
Beyond the investigation into Lemaramba's death, the teachers' unions want the government to guarantee the safety of teachers working in areas considered vulnerable.
They are also demanding improved security around schools and residential areas where teachers live.
According to the unions, teachers should be able to perform their duties without constantly fearing for their lives.
They called on the government to strengthen security in affected areas and provide adequate protection for education workers.
The unions said the security concerns were serious enough to warrant immediate government intervention.
Seven-Day Strike Notice Issued
The unions have given the government seven days to respond to their demands.
If no action is taken, they have threatened to withdraw teaching services in affected areas and organise demonstrations and petitions.
The planned protests could extend to the county headquarters as teachers seek government intervention.
The unions said withdrawal of services would remain in place until authorities address their security concerns.
Their warning raises the possibility of significant disruption to learning in Samburu County, particularly if the government and teachers fail to reach an agreement within the seven-day period.
Teachers Threaten to Leave High-Risk Areas
One of the most significant measures proposed by the unions is the withdrawal of teachers from areas they consider unsafe.
The unions said teachers working in high-risk locations could be pulled out until adequate security is provided.
Such a move could affect schools already facing staffing challenges and leave learners without teachers as the third term gets underway.
The unions argued that teachers should not be expected to continue working in areas where their personal safety cannot be guaranteed.
They maintained that protecting teachers must be treated as a government responsibility.
Security Concerns Raise Questions Over Learning
The ultimatum comes just one day after learners resumed classes for the third term.
The timing has raised concerns about the potential impact of the dispute on thousands of learners in Samburu County.
Any withdrawal of teaching services could disrupt lessons, examinations and other activities during a critical part of the academic year.
Schools in areas affected by insecurity could face additional challenges if teachers refuse to report to work or are withdrawn by their unions.
The unions, however, maintain that the safety of teachers must take priority before normal learning can continue.
Government Faces Pressure to Act
The latest ultimatum puts pressure on security agencies and the national government to demonstrate that they can protect teachers serving in vulnerable areas.
The unions have specifically identified the Ministry of Interior, DCI and police as agencies that must act on their demands.
They want investigations into Lemaramba's killing accelerated and suspects brought before the courts.
They are also seeking broader security measures to prevent similar incidents involving teachers in the county.
The unions warned that failure to respond could trigger industrial action and protests, escalating the dispute beyond the individual case.
Possible Disruption of Learning in Samburu
If the government does not meet the unions' demands within seven days, Samburu County could witness a major disruption of education services.
The proposed withdrawal of teachers from high-risk areas could affect schools already operating under difficult conditions.
Demonstrations and petitions could further increase pressure on the government to intervene.
For now, the unions have placed the responsibility on authorities to respond before they activate their planned measures.
The dispute highlights growing concerns over the safety of teachers working in areas affected by insecurity and the consequences such threats can have on education.
The seven-day ultimatum puts government security agencies under pressure as teachers demand justice for Lemaramba and protection across Samburu County.
