KUPPET accuses TSC of reversing teacher promotions
In addition to the revoked promotions, the teachers are also up in arms over the scrapping of hardship allowances from their pay.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) leadership in Samburu County has strongly criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for reversing the promotions of 158 local teachers just weeks after their elevation.
Addressing journalists on Friday, William Lengoiyap, the Executive Secretary of the Samburu KUPPET branch, expressed disappointment over the abrupt revocation of the promotions, describing the move as unjust.
"It is deeply unfair, especially considering how lengthy and rigorous the promotion process was.
These teachers worked hard and met all requirements," Lengoiyap stated.
Lengoiyap described the promotion exercise as a demanding and exhaustive process that required teachers to submit applications, present various documents, and attend interviews held in multiple locations such as Nakuru and Maralal.
An official has voiced strong dissatisfaction over the abrupt revocation of teacher promotions, emphasizing that the affected educators had dutifully followed all necessary procedures to earn their new roles.
"There is absolutely no justification for denying Samburu and other ASAL region teachers the positions they rightfully acquired through legal and transparent processes. If any errors occurred, the blame lies with those who reversed the promotions not the teachers," said Lengoiyap.
In addition to the revoked promotions, the teachers are also up in arms over the scrapping of hardship allowances from their pay.
This comes after Samburu was delisted from regions classified as arid and semi-arid (ASAL), a move that disqualifies it from benefits previously granted due to the challenging nature of work in such areas.
The educators claim that this move is intended to further frustrate them, accusing the commission of undermining their efforts and discriminating against teachers from the region.
There is widespread concern that this decision will discourage teachers from taking up posts in Samburu and other similar areas.
The teachers have warned that if the TSC does not reconsider its stance, they will organize industrial action.
Benny Lekushula, Secretary of Tertiary Education for KUPPET Samburu, shared these concerns, describing teachers as feeling “orphaned” due to the reversal of their promotions and the ongoing loss of their benefits.
"These 158 positions were rightfully and lawfully earned. They must be reinstated. If not, we will resort to industrial action. We are facing a deeply demoralized workforce," he cautioned.
Vice Chairman Charles Isimalele also took issue with the recommendation from the Parliamentary Education Committee, blaming it for the cancellation of the 158 promotion slots.
Beyond threatening industrial action, the teachers have pledged to pursue legal redress.
They confirmed that a court application has already been filed, seeking orders to halt the revocation of the promotions and to compel the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to implement the original, duly approved promotion list.
