The leadership of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Samburu County has publicly criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for the demotion of 158 teachers from the region, a decision made shortly after their promotion just one month prior.
During a press conference held on Friday, William Lengoiyap, the Executive Secretary of KUPPET’s Samburu branch, characterized the abrupt demotions as unjust. He emphasized the extensive and rigorous nature of the promotion process, which included applications, document submissions, and interviews conducted in various locations, such as Nakuru and Maralal.
Lengoiyap expressed his discontent regarding the unexpected annulment of the promotions, asserting that the teachers had adhered to all requisite procedures and had legitimately earned their positions. He stated, “It is unequivocal that the teachers from Samburu and the ASAL regions should not be deprived of the positions they rightfully secured through legal and procedural means. If any error occurred, it was made by those who chose to rescind the promotions, not the teachers themselves.”
In addition to their grievances regarding the demotions, the educators are also protesting the removal of the hardship allowance from their salaries. This allowance was eliminated following Samburu’s exclusion from the list of arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), which entitled educators to additional compensation due to challenging working conditions.
The teachers contend that this action is intended to further demoralize them, alleging that the commission has consistently minimized their contributions and discriminated against educators from the region. There are widespread concerns that such measures will further deter teachers from working in Samburu and similar areas. The educators have warned that should the TSC not reverse its decision, they will organize for industrial action.
Benny Lekushula, the Secretary of Tertiary Education for KUPPET Samburu, echoed these sentiments, stating that teachers feel “orphaned” by the retraction of their promotions and the ongoing diminishment of their benefits. He asserted, “These 158 positions were earned through legitimate and procedural means. They must be reinstated. Failure to do so will result in a work stoppage, as we are confronting a demoralized workforce.”
Vice Chairman Charles Lesimalele also criticized the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Education Committee, which contributed to the cancellation of the 158 positions.
In addition to potential industrial action, the teachers have pledged to contest the TSC’s decision in court, confirming that they have already submitted an application seeking judicial orders to prevent the revocation of the promotions and to compel the TSC to implement the original promotion list that had been approved.
