26 Aug 2024 | 10:43 AM UTC
Kenya: Possible protests in major cities amid teachers' union strike, Aug. 26
Unionized public school teachers in Kenya embark on nationwide indefinite strike from Aug. 26; further protests possible in major cities.
Members of the Kenyan Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have embarked on an indefinite strike from Aug. 26. The strike comes amid negotiations over the promotion of some public school teachers. On Aug. 25 the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), who had initially supported the strike, announced that its members would not take part. As of early Aug. 26, KUPPET-affiliated teachers are protesting in Kisii, Kissi County.
Additional protests are possible nationwide, especially in urban areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Bungoma. Possible gathering locations include government buildings, party offices, business districts, and main thoroughfares. Authorities will likely deploy an increased security presence in affected cities. This can involve road closures and checkpoints, causing localized transport, business, and communications disruptions. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Monitor developments as protest locations could evolve on short notice. Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to move through protester roadblocks. Plan for localized travel disruptions. Reconfirm the status of roads in the hours preceding travel. Heed instructions issued by authorities. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building.
