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KUPPET and TSC Clash Over Teacher Demotions Following Recent Promotions
The leadership of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Samburu County has criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for demoting 158 teachers from the region just a month after promoting them.
During a press conference on Friday, William Lengoiyap, the Executive Secretary of the Samburu KUPPET branch, described the abrupt demotions as unjust.
“This is particularly unfair considering the extensive duration and rigorous nature of the process that led to the teachers’ promotions,” Lengoiyap stated.
He characterized the promotion process as lengthy and thorough, involving applications, document submissions, and interviews held in various locations, including Nakuru and Maralal.
Expressing his frustration over the sudden reversal of the promotions, Lengoiyap argued that the teachers adhered to all necessary procedures and rightfully earned their positions.
“There is no justification for denying the teachers of Samburu and ASAL regions the positions they have legally and procedurally earned. If any error occurred, it was made by those who chose to revoke the promotions, not the teachers,” he asserted.
Adding to their grievances, the educators are also protesting the removal of the hardship allowance from their salaries. This allowance was eliminated after Samburu was taken off the list of arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) areas, which entitled them to additional compensation due to challenging working conditions.
The teachers claim this move is intended to further demoralize them, arguing that the commission has consistently undermined their contributions and discriminated against educators from their region.
Many are concerned that this will further discourage teachers from working in Samburu and similar areas. The educators have warned that if the TSC does not reverse its decision, they will organize for industrial action.
Benny Lekushula, the Secretary of Tertiary Education for KUPPET Samburu, shared similar sentiments, stating that teachers feel “orphaned” by the reversal of their promotions and the ongoing loss of their benefits.
“These 158 positions were earned through legitimate and proper channels. They must be reinstated. If not, we will strike. We are dealing with a demoralized workforce,” he cautioned.
Vice Chairman Charles Lesimalele also criticized the recommendation from the Parliamentary Education Committee that led to the cancellation of the 158 positions.
In addition to potential industrial action, the teachers have pledged to challenge the TSC’s decision in court, confirming that they have already filed an application seeking court orders to prevent the revocation of the promotions and to compel the TSC to implement the original approved promotion list.
