TSC Proposed Amendments Deepens Rift Between KNUT and KUPPET
A division has surfaced within Kenyan teachers’ unions regarding proposed revisions to the law governing the teaching profession.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has adamantly opposed the proposals, labeling them as “punitive” and calling for exclusive discussions with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) prior to broader engagements.
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Conversely, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has signaled its intention to participate in the forthcoming consultation forum.
Knut’s Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, criticized the proposed amendments, deeming them “unfavorable” to teachers
. He stressed Knut’s reluctance to join the forum without prior direct engagement with the TSC.
Oyuu asserted that the proposed changes were excessively harsh on teachers, emphasizing Knut’s stance against such treatment.
In contrast, Kuppet has opted for a more conciliatory stance, expressing willingness to engage in the consultation forum while withholding specific responses until a thorough review of the proposals is conducted.
The proposed amendments aim to modify the Teachers Service Commission Act 2012, potentially expanding its authority over teachers, which could reignite tensions with the Ministry of Education.
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The divergence among teacher unions complicates an already contentious debate, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing discord between the teachers’ employer and the Ministry of Education.
A letter from Knut to the TSC, obtained by The Standard, outlined the union’s intention to abstain from the scheduled engagement forum, citing inadequate time to prepare for the proposed amendments.
Knut opposes several aspects of the proposed changes, including granting the TSC authority over teachers’ professional development, a responsibility previously suggested to be under the purview of the Education Ministry.
Furthermore, Knut contests TSC’s proposal to regulate its own practices and procedures, arguing that it contradicts constitutional provisions. The union also questions provisions in the amendment bill allowing punishment of teachers without stringent rules of evidence.
Knut advocates for the establishment of a committee comprising TSC officials and union members to review disciplinary actions against teachers, emphasizing the importance of fair processes in such matters.
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TSC Proposed Amendments Deepens Rift Between KNUT and KUPPET