Teacher Unions Want TSC’s Disciplinary Power Revoked
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have called for an independent body to handle disciplinary cases involving teachers.
The unions claim that the current disciplinary process is too harsh, time-consuming and burdensome. KUPPET and KNUT have suggested changes to the Teachers Service Act to address their concerns.
They want the National Assembly to create an independent tribunal to act as an intermediary in disputes. “Teachers are on their own when they are being disciplined and even dismissed”, said Collins Oyuu, the KNUT Secretary General.
The unions also criticised the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for failing to engage with them during salary negotiations. KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori claimed that a circular from the SRC two weeks before the start of talks took power away from employers.
The unions are calling for a review of the Pension Act, so that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) takes responsibility for retired teachers rather than the National Treasury.
However, the Education Committee pointed out that the unions had voluntarily signed a non-monetary 2021/2025 collective bargaining agreement which had exacerbated the challenges faced by teachers.
Phylis Jepkemoi, a member of the Education Committee, observed that some teachers felt union membership was unhelpful.
On 3 February, the TSC asked all retired teachers to review their status for the pension scheme. The TSC had earlier submitted pensions to the Ministry of Treasury and Planning for disbursement.
The unions argue that the TSC should take responsibility for the payments. Oyuu said that the TSC, which employs and pays teachers, should also manage their pensions. “How then do we have a third party to take charge of these teachers after their retirement?” he asked.
Teacher Unions Want TSC’s Disciplinary Power Revoked
