Catholic Bishops in Kenya are ready to bring teachers union and the government to the mediation table to end a nationwide teachers’ strike that has paralyzed learning in all public schools for over three weeks now.
In a press statement read by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman Rt. Rev Philip Anyolo, the Bishops called for an end to the ongoing stalemate between striking teachers and the government.
Below is the full statement
“COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER…”
(ISAIAH 1:18)
We, the Catholic Bishops in Kenya, are concerned about the wave of industrial disputes that are sweeping across the country, and the manner in which the involved parties are responding to them.
On the ongoing teachers’ strike, hard-line positions taken by both the Teachers Service Commission and the Teachers’ Unions are regrettable and set a bad example as models for our children.
The strike, which has paralyzed learning in our schools, is a wake-up call for all Kenyans to think deeply about how to address industrial disputes before they spiral out of control. It is important to realize that the challenges currently facing the education sector in this country are adversely affecting all Kenyans. Therefore, there is need for key stakeholders to be fully involved in a bid to transform these problems into challenges that can be addressed in a calm atmosphere.
Our values and obligations demand from all of us provision of basic needs and protection of all children at all times. It is time to let the children of this country return to school as soon as possible for normal learning to continue.
Dear Kenyans, the respect for human dignity, universal human rights, common decency and decorum have no room for threats, intimidation, blackmail and chest-thumping in dealing with disputes irrespective of the degree of perceived hurt. “A gentle answer calms anger, but a harsh one stirs it up’’ (Proverbs 15:1).
In view of the above, we recommend the following:
The Teachers Service Commission and the Teachers’ Unions accept the involvement of an independent mediator to facilitate discussions leading to a lasting solution to the strike.
All stakeholders need to exercise temperance and tolerance as they engage one other for the sake of our children and the country at large. We appeal for sobriety as we address this dispute. Let us work towards the common good.
We, Religious Leaders, are ready to mediate in this process to find an amicable and lasting solution to the current impasse to enable normal learning to resume. Both sides must step back from the brink of an all-out industrial confrontation for the sake of our country and especially the children.
In conclusion, we want to thank the pupils and students for remaining calm during these difficult times. We exhort the parents and the guardians to remain calm and patient as they join other stakeholders in finding a solution to the challenge before us. Be assured that the Church is actively involved to bring this strike to an end.
God bless you all. God bless Kenya.
Signed: ………………Date:
September 23, 2015
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, Chairman, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Homa Bay and all the Catholic Bishops in Kenya
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB