The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Trainers (KUTVET) has issued the government a four-day ultimatum, warning that a nationwide strike will begin next Wednesday if its demands are ignored.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 11, Secretary General Kefa Ogui opposed plans to transfer the management of trainers' employment and salaries from the Public Service Commission (PSC) to national polytechnic councils.
The union insists that trainers should remain under a centralised government employment system rather than having individual institutions take responsibility for their remuneration.
"We cannot allow trainers at the technical institutions to be paid by the colleges instead of a structured government system. We are giving them four days to withdraw all those plans," Ogui said.
KUTVET warned that the proposed changes could disrupt learning and examination activities in public TVET institutions if implemented without proper consultation.
Ogui threatened that trainers would suspend teaching and examination marking across the country if the government failed to address their concerns.
The dispute involves approximately 10,000 to 12,000 trainers employed in public technical and vocational institutions.
According to the union, the controversy stems from three draft government documents that were developed without sufficient engagement with trainers' representatives.
KUTVET argues that national polytechnics do not have adequate financial resources and administrative structures to handle salaries and human resource responsibilities for trainers.
The union is also concerned that transferring employment management to individual institutions could create inconsistencies in employment policies and weaken job security.
Additionally, it wants the government to establish a dedicated Scheme of Service for TVET trainers before introducing new career guidelines and organisational structures.
The union has called for consultations involving the Public Service Commission and other stakeholders to develop an employment framework applicable to trainers across the country.
Ogui further warned that KUTVET could pursue legal proceedings and industrial action to protect its members if the government proceeds with the disputed proposals.
As of Wednesday evening, the government had not publicly responded to the union's ultimatum.
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/129311-kutvet-issues-4-day-deadline-over-planned-tvet-trainers-payroll-transfer
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