Bomet County,
Tuesday April 30, 2024
KNA by Lamech Willy & Nickson Terer
Teachers’ unions in Bomet county have voiced their opposition to the recent decision by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to transfer 61 school principals and headteachers to the region.
The Kenya Union Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) jointly expressed their concerns, urging the TSC to halt the planned handover ceremony for the new appointees.
According to executive secretaries Paul Kimeto of KUPPET and Desmond Langat of KNUT, the unions argue that the TSC’s decision is misguided.
They contend that instead of bringing in new administrators from other regions, individuals who have been serving in acting capacities within these institutions should have been confirmed for the positions.
The unions are demanding transparency and fairness in the appointment process, calling for an immediate investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into the matter, specifically focusing on Bomet County.
Speaking to journalists in Bomet County on Monday, Kimeto criticised the TSC’s continued implementation of the delocalisation policy, despite its removal under the current government in 2022.
He emphasised the need for the TSC to produce a list of promoted teachers in Bomet and those posted in other areas to ensure accountability.
Kimeto raised concerns about the potential political motivations behind the transfers, alleging that some of the incoming administrators might have been involved in mismanagement in their previous postings and are seeking a fresh start in Bomet.
He called upon county leaders to intervene before the situation escalated further.
Echoing Kimeto’s sentiments, Langat lamented the demoralising effect the transfers would have on local teachers, who, he argued, are equally capable and competitive.
He questioned the necessity of transferring administrators from outside the county, particularly when there is no perceived leadership vacuum in the schools.
Moreover, Langat accused the TSC of orchestrating a deliberate scheme to undermine local teachers’ chances of promotion, alleging that the promotion interviews were designed to favour candidates from other regions.
He expressed dismay at the apparent reversal of the delocalisation policy by certain TSC officials, despite the government’s previous stance on the matter.
The unions have warned of potential street demonstrations if the TSC fails to address their grievances promptly.
They are calling for a re-evaluation of the appointment process to ensure that local educators are given equitable opportunities for career advancement.
Courtesy; KNA