Security vs. Employment: KNCSC Urges TSC to Reconsider 129 Interdicted Teachers
The Kenya National Civil Society Centre (KNCSC) has issued a compelling appeal, underscoring the urgency for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reconsider its stance on the 129 teachers who found themselves in the crosshairs of interdiction due to their requests for transfers away from the North Eastern region.
In a resolute statement delivered by the KNCSC’s Executive Director, Suba Churchill, the message conveyed is not merely one of leniency but a profound call for a recalibration of priorities, focusing on safety and confidence-building measures.
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In an unambiguous tone, Churchill asserts that the TSC has approached these educators callously and without sensitivity, especially given the widely recognized unique set of security challenges in the North Eastern region.
The KNCSC firmly asserts that instead of resorting to punitive measures, there is a need for collaborative efforts between the TSC and the Ministries of Education and Interior.
“Direct these efforts towards formulating situation-specific policies and strategies with the intention of ensuring the security of teachers in this region.”
This approach, they argue, would not only guarantee the safety of teachers but also cultivate an atmosphere that is secure, enabling, and reassuring – essential ingredients for educators to effectively discharge their duties.
Moreover, the KNCSC asserts that the TSC’s actions infringe upon the rights of these teachers as Kenyan citizens.
The dismissal of teachers when they express concerns about the detrimental impact of their working environment on their safety is seen as a transgression of Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to security.
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The KNCSC deems this dismissal tantamount to direct and indirect discrimination based on ethnic and social origin, which is a grave violation of human rights.
In this context, Churchill firmly recommends that the TSC not exploit these educators by deploying them to what they perceive as unsafe areas while neglecting their welfare.
The KNCSC, by its staunch stance, seeks to establish a moral and ethical imperative for the TSC to uphold the welfare and safety of these teachers as a fundamental responsibility.
The repercussions of the teacher interdiction have not gone unnoticed, as it has ignited a spirited national debate.
Numerous politicians, including Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who chairs the National Assembly of Education Committee, have publicly called for the reinstatement of the affected teachers.
The vocal advocacy for their reinstatement highlights the significance of this issue in the broader discourse around education and labor rights in Kenya.
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In a poignant show of solidarity, the affected teachers staged a protest in Upperhill, vehemently opposing the TSC’s decision to terminate their employment.
The police responded with force and used tear gas to disperse the protesters, resulting in the arrest of ten teachers.
The confrontation between the teachers and the authorities reflects the intensity of the issue and the profound impact it has on the lives of those involved. This development further underscores the urgency of revisiting the TSC’s position on this matter.
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Security vs. Employment: KNCSC Urges TSC to Reconsider 129 Interdicted Teachers
