KUPPET and TSC Clash Over Teacher Demotions After Recent Promotions

KUPPET and TSC Clash Over Teacher Demotions After Recent Promotions

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Samburu County is upset with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for demoting 158 teachers just a month after promoting them.

During a press conference on Friday, KUPPET’s Executive Secretary for Samburu, William Lengoiyap, called the demotions unfair. He pointed out that the promotion process was long and involved many steps, including applications, document submissions, and interviews in different towns like Nakuru and Maralal.

Lengoiyap expressed frustration over the sudden change, stating that the teachers followed all the necessary steps to earn their promotions. He insisted that if there was a mistake, it was made by those who reversed the promotions, not the teachers.

Additionally, the teachers are upset about losing their hardship allowance after Samburu was removed from the list of areas that receive extra pay due to difficult working conditions. They believe this is an attempt to undermine them and feel that the TSC is not valuing their efforts, which could discourage teachers from working in Samburu and similar regions. They warned that if the TSC does not change its decision, they will consider striking.

Benny Lekushula, KUPPET’s Secretary for Tertiary Education in Samburu, emphasized that the 158 positions were earned fairly and should be reinstated. He warned that if not, they would stop working, as the teachers are feeling demoralized.

Vice Chairman Charles Lesimalele also criticized the Parliamentary Education Committee’s recommendation that led to the cancellation of the promotions.

In addition to possibly going on strike, the teachers plan to challenge the TSC’s decision in court and have already filed an application to block the revocation of the promotions and to force the TSC to implement the original promotion list.