KNUT Boycotts Meeting with TSC, Criticizes Proposed Education Reforms
The Kenya National Union of Teachers has announced its decision not to participate in an upcoming meeting with the Teachers Service Commission, scheduled for Wednesday at the Kenya School of Government. The meeting was intended for discussions on the TSC Act Amendment Bill, aiming to engage stakeholders.
Knut secretary general Collins Oyuu expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that their involvement in the draft had been sidelined from the beginning.
He emphasized that the proposed amendments, publicly available, do not align with teachers’ interests, particularly in the restructuring of basic education.
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According to Oyuu, the proposed changes in the amendment concerning the initiation of basic education neglect the inclusion of ECDE (Early Childhood Development Education).
He highlighted the necessity for Knut’s involvement in any modifications, stressing that the union represents the teachers’ interests, not merely the public.
Oyuu also criticized the draft for lacking clarity on funding teacher training programs, suggesting that the government should handle professional development through entities like the Law Society of Kenya, with expenses covered by the state.
Moreover, Oyuu pointed out several issues with TSC’s proposed amendments, including the unilateral determination of teachers’ remuneration and disciplinary procedures, which he argued violate constitutional provisions.
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He raised concerns about TSC’s silence on teacher pensions, advocating for a streamlined approach within the Commission to address pension delays. Additionally, Oyuu criticized TSC’s proposal to collect and manage teacher data independently, citing legal and constitutional breaches.
Oyuu emphasized the need for a collaborative review mechanism between TSC and Knut to address disciplinary matters effectively. He proposed the establishment of an independent appeals tribunal to ensure fairness in teacher appeals processes.
In light of these concerns, Oyuu called for a special engagement meeting with the Commission within seven days to address the issues comprehensively, emphasizing the importance of allowing adequate time for stakeholder input and deliberation.
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KNUT Boycotts Meeting with TSC, Criticizes Proposed Education Reforms