Church offers to mediate between striking teachers and Government

Catholic Bishops in Kenya are ready to bring teachers’ unions and the government to the mediation table to end a nationwide teachers strike that has paralysed learning in all public schools for three weeks now.

In a press statement read by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman, Bishop Philip Anyolo, the Bishops called for an end to the ongoing stalemate between striking teachers and the government.

(Rose Achiego in Nairobi, Kenya)

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 paralysed 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 realise 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 quietens  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.

September 23, 2015

Signed: …

Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, Chairman, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Homa Bay

Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa, Vice Chairman (KCCB), Ngong

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Nairobi

Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth, Kisumu

Most Rev. Peter Kairo, Nyeri

Most Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde, Mombasa

Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin, Garissa

Rt. Rev. Cornelius Arap Korir, Eldoret

Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa, Kisii

Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich, Military Ordinariate

Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley, Kitale

Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua King’oo, Bungoma

Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC, Marsabit

Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a, Aux. Bishop Nairobi

Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC, Isiolo

Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante, Maralal

Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi, Meru

Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo, Kericho

Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, Kitui & Apostolic Administrator of Machakos

Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina, Muranga

Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru, Embu

Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Nakuru

Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich, Lodwar

Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Barbara, Malindi

Rt. Rev. Joseph Mbatia, Nyahururu

Rt. Rev. Joseph Alesandro, Co-Adjutor Bishop Garissa

Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi, Kakamega