COTU lauds President Uhuru Kenyatta's move on teachers

NAIROBI: The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for stepping in to resolve the row on the teachers' pay.

The President's move comes after months of a standoff between the two unions representing teachers – Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) – and the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) over pay rise.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, however, asked the President to ensure that the discussions between unions and TSC were genuine.

He made the appeal in a statement to newsrooms from Geneva Switzerland where he is attending the ongoing 325th International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting.

Mr Atwoli advised that in the spirit of give and take, the negotiations should remain fair and independent from any forces.

"Both Knut and Kuppet should work closely with their attorneys so that every bit of the regulations and law is invoked and fully understood," he said.

He, however, cautioned the teachers' unions to remain united and speak with one voice in the interest and benefit of their members.