KUPPET Seeks Halt on Teacher Promotions, Calls for TSC Investigation.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to halt the ongoing teacher promotions, citing unfairness and inequality. The union argues that the promotion formula is discriminatory and disadvantages certain teachers.
KUPPET National Chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba revealed that a petition has been submitted to the National Assembly Education Committee, protesting the formula used in promotions. He stated that the TSC should be investigated over the allocation of funds for promotions, despite parliamentary approval.
Milemba emphasized that teachers have remained in the same job group for nearly eight years without advancement, while others with less than six months in their positions have been promoted. The union wants an immediate halt to the current promotion exercise, insisting on fairness in resource distribution.
KUPPET has petitioned Parliament to intervene, urging a probe into TSC’s utilization of the allocated funds. Speaking at Ematsuli Secondary School in Emuhaya, Vihiga County, during the distribution of a Ksh 56 million bursary across his constituency, Milemba warned that the union would explore alternative measures if TSC does not address the issue.
Teachers Protest Unfair Quota System
Teachers have criticized the quota-based promotion system, arguing that it unfairly affects those in regions with a high number of unqualified teachers. Many educators are frustrated by the 19,000 positions advertised last year and interviews conducted in January. They claim some eligible candidates were not invited, while ineligible individuals were interviewed.
Last month, KUPPET pushed for significant reforms in the promotion process, highlighting stagnation and the unequal distribution of vacancies. Following TSC’s announcement of 28,288 promotions across various grades this year, KUPPET Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima condemned the process, stating that it had disadvantaged many educators.
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Nthurima pointed out that counties with over 11,000 teachers received the same number of vacancies as those with only 1,000 educators. This means teachers in less populated counties have a tenfold higher chance of promotion than their counterparts in densely populated regions.
As part of its demands, the union is pushing for a solution to the plight of 130,000 teachers who have been stuck in the same job group for over five years. Additionally, Nthurima called for a review of the fast-track promotion policy for teachers in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), arguing that it has led to disparities rather than solving staffing challenges in hardship areas.
KUPPET Seeks Halt on Teacher Promotions, Calls for TSC Investigation.
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