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Kenyan primary schools closed over strike Kenyan primary schools closed over strike
(35 minutes later)
All state-run primary schools in Kenya have been closed indefinitely because of a nationwide strike by about 240,000 teachers, an official says.All state-run primary schools in Kenya have been closed indefinitely because of a nationwide strike by about 240,000 teachers, an official says.
Education Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the strike, now in its fourth week, was unconstitutional.Education Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the strike, now in its fourth week, was unconstitutional.
Teacher unions have been demanding a pay increase of some 500%, but President Uhuru Kenyatta's government has refused to yield to their demand.Teacher unions have been demanding a pay increase of some 500%, but President Uhuru Kenyatta's government has refused to yield to their demand.
It is the biggest domestic crisis since Mr Kenyatta won elections in March.It is the biggest domestic crisis since Mr Kenyatta won elections in March.
Those pupils who had still turned up to school would be sent home immediately following the government directive, reports the BBC's Caroline Karobia from the capital, Nairobi.Those pupils who had still turned up to school would be sent home immediately following the government directive, reports the BBC's Caroline Karobia from the capital, Nairobi.
Last week, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Association of Parents, Musau Ndunda, accused the government of "playing politics" and not being keen to resolve the strike. 'Sacked'
The Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) called on the government and trade unions to seek a solution for the sake of schoolchildren.
"The children who are facing exams this year, lost some time last year during another strike, they lost another 10 days during elections and now they have missed out on four weeks. That is a problem we cannot wish away," its chairman Joseph Karuga said.
"These children are the people whose future we are talking about and if we continue interfering with it, the cost will be enormous."
On Monday, Mr Kaimenyi said teachers who did not resume work the next day "would have sacked themselves".On Monday, Mr Kaimenyi said teachers who did not resume work the next day "would have sacked themselves".
Earlier this month, a court held that the teachers were in contempt of court for failing to abide by an earlier ruling to end the strike.Earlier this month, a court held that the teachers were in contempt of court for failing to abide by an earlier ruling to end the strike.
Teachers want increased travel, housing and medical allowances.Teachers want increased travel, housing and medical allowances.
They also want the government to abide by a 1997 agreement, which calls for a 500% pay increase.They also want the government to abide by a 1997 agreement, which calls for a 500% pay increase.
The deal would cost the government $540m (£362m) in increased allowances for teachers and a further $175m to hire new teachers.The deal would cost the government $540m (£362m) in increased allowances for teachers and a further $175m to hire new teachers.
The government says it cannot afford to meet the demands.The government says it cannot afford to meet the demands.
Last week, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Association of Parents, Musau Ndunda, accused the government of "playing politics" and not being keen to resolve the strike.