“Be Fair and Human” KNUT Boss Criticizes Unjust Teacher Promotions
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has expressed significant concerns regarding what he describes as biased teacher promotions by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
According to Oyuu, certain long-serving teachers are being unjustly overlooked in favor of newly qualified graduates.
Oyuu, addressing a union event, questioned the reasoning behind promoting a teacher who graduated in 2023 instead of another who has been in the profession since 2010. He contended that this choice contradicts both logic and fairness, particularly in a field that necessitates experience and commitment.
“You must be fair and human. The notion of selecting a teacher who graduated in 2023 while excluding the one who completed teacher training in 2010 raises more questions than it resolves,” he stated.
The KNUT leader urged the TSC to reassess its promotion criteria. He stressed that experience, dedication, and service to students should be significant factors when making promotion decisions. He believes that the current trend threatens to demoralize thousands of teachers who have been patient and loyal to the system.
Oyuu additionally cautioned that such unbalanced processes might incite unrest within the teaching community. He pointed out that many educators feel neglected, despite having dedicated years of service in rural and underserved regions.
He urged the TSC to collaborate with stakeholders to create a more transparent and just system. He also reminded the government that teachers are fundamental to the education sector and deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness.
The union has vowed to pursue the matter and advocate for justice for affected members. Oyuu stated that KNUT will not passively witness as experienced teachers are dismissed and substituted with inexperienced graduates without proper rationale.
This situation arises while numerous educators nationwide have expressed dissatisfaction with promotional practices, accusing the TSC of favoritism and inconsistency.
KNUT is now calling for a policy review that emphasizes fairness, transparency, and respect for long-serving teachers.
