KUPPET and TSC Clash Over Teacher Demotions Shortly After Promotions

KUPPET and TSC Clash Over Teacher Demotions Shortly After 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 lengthy and thorough process that took place before the teachers were promoted,” Lengoiyap stated.

He explained that the promotion process was extensive and involved applications, document submissions, and interviews held in various locations, including Nakuru and Maralal.

Expressing his frustration over the unexpected reversal of the promotions, he insisted that the teachers had adhered to all necessary procedures and legitimately earned their positions.

“There is no justification for denying the teachers of Samburu and ASAL regions the positions they rightfully earned. If any error occurred, it was made by those who chose to reverse the promotions, not the teachers,” Lengoiyap asserted.

Adding to their grievances, the teachers 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) that qualified for such compensation due to challenging working conditions.

The educators claim this action is intended to further demoralize them, arguing that the commission has been minimizing their contributions and discriminating against teachers from their region.

Many are concerned that this will further discourage teachers from working in Samburu and similar areas. The educators warned that if the TSC does not reverse its decision, they will organize for industrial action.

Benny Lekushula, Secretary of Tertiary Education for KUPPET Samburu, echoed these sentiments, stating that teachers feel “orphaned” by the reversal of their promotions and the ongoing reduction of their benefits.

“These 158 positions were earned through proper channels and must be reinstated. If not, we will strike. We are facing 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 legally challenge the TSC’s decision, 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.