KNUT Pushes for Compensation of Dismissed Teachers.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has proposed that teachers dismissed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should still receive benefits for the periods when they served with integrity. According to Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, even if teachers are interdicted or dismissed, the current TSC code of regulations does not permit them to receive any payments.
Oyuu stated that KNUT will advocate for the repeal of the rule to guarantee that teachers who have been sacked still receive their rightful dues. He insisted that retirement benefits must not be tied to a teacher’s behaviour while in service. KNUT maintains that dismissal, regardless of cause, should not erase the years of honest service rendered by those educators.
Oyuu emphasized that workers’ benefits should not be determined by behavior. He reiterated that a teacher’s conduct at the time of dismissal should not overshadow their prior contributions. He stated, “Let TSC pay for the number of years teachers worked diligently, even before things went wrong. Pay them for the time they served well.”
While addressing members at Kibaoni Primary School, Mr Oyuu emphasized that an employee’s conduct should not determine their entitlement to benefits after exiting service.
He explained that under the current TSC Act and the Code of Regulations for Teachers, anyone interdicted or dismissed forfeits their payments. He expressed concern, saying many teachers are sent home empty-handed for mistakes that do not erase their years of service.
Mr Oyuu remarked that, even in serious cases, what matters is the number of years a teacher served under TSC. He said, “Whether you have killed someone or committed any offense, the fact remains you worked for TSC for some years. Your benefits should reflect that.” He maintained that TSC must compensate dismissed teachers for the period they were employed.
The union leader criticized the rigid interpretation of the code by some heads of institutions, which, he noted, contributes to misjudgment of disciplinary procedures. He shared that a number of teachers had become nearly depressed, especially after being subjected to unfriendly transfers.
While some of these issues were managed, a few could not be resolved, resulting in deteriorated working environments for affected teachers.
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Collins Oyuu urged stakeholders to support educators so they can perform their duties with commitment and dedication, ultimately benefiting the students. He expressed readiness for engagement and called on all concerned parties to come together in seeking justice and fairness for the teaching workforce.
In his words, “We are very much ready,” expressing KNUT’s willingness to work with institutions and policymakers to ensure dismissed teachers are not left without recognition for their past contributions.
KNUT Pushes for Compensation of Dismissed Teachers.
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