Kuppet Criticises Parliament for Rejecting Promotion of 25,000 Teachers, Says TSC Independence at Risk
Officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Vihiga branch, have vehemently criticized the National Assembly Education Committee’s decision to nullify the promotion of more than 25,000 teachers, alleging that Parliament has overstepped its boundaries and encroached upon the autonomy of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Under the leadership of Branch Secretary General Sabala Inyeni, the officials described the decision as unlawful and detrimental to the morale and career progression of educators. Inyeni contended that the Members of Parliament do not possess the authority or the professional expertise to ascertain eligibility for teacher promotions.
The promotions, affecting 25,252 teachers nationally, were initiated by the TSC and presented for examination by the National Assembly Education Committee. This sparked discussions within Parliament, with legislators raising inquiries regarding the selection criteria and regional allocation of the promoted teachers.
Last week, the Committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Meli, expressed concerns about what they perceived as bias, favoritism, and the elevation of inadequately qualified individuals. They also criticized the seemingly uniform distribution of promotion slots, suggesting that the process overlooked demographic and historical disparities.
In light of the criticism, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia defended the promotion procedure, asserting that it was based on legal and professional frameworks, including Regulation 73 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers, the Career Progression Guidelines, and the Policy on Selection and Appointment of Institutional Administrators.
Meanwhile, KUPPET Vihiga officials accused certain MPs of utilizing the teacher recruitment and promotion process for political advantage, especially in advance of upcoming electoral campaigns. Inyeni alleged that some legislators had been distributing employment letters from the TSC within their constituencies, thereby politicizing a process that should remain professional and unbiased.
KUPPET Urges Focus on Funding, Not Control
The union has urged the National Assembly to redirect its efforts toward enhancing budgetary support for the education sector, particularly for the TSC. Inyeni stated that Parliament ought to facilitate promotions for additional teachers, including those who were interviewed but excluded.
KUPPET officials cautioned that ongoing political interference in hiring and promotions may jeopardize the progress made in Kenya’s education sector. They further threatened to mobilize against MPs involved in what they termed irregular and unlawful practices.
Despite the vigorous opposition from the Vihiga branch, KUPPET National Chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba conveyed support for the Education Committee’s position.
He remarked that Parliament had been petitioned to suspend the promotions due to what he characterized as an inequitable allocation method. Milemba called for an inquiry into how the TSC utilized funds allocated by Parliament, emphasizing the necessity for equitable resource distribution.
Kuppet Criticises Parliament for Rejecting Promotion of 25,000 Teachers, Says TSC Independence at Risk