KUPPET Says No to Employment Reforms.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has expressed dissatisfaction with some proposals by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).
According to the teacher’s union, the recommendations will limit the role of the Teachers Service Commission in employment and consequently affect teachers’ employment rights.
Speaking during the union’s annual general meeting held at Nandi South, the union chairman Omboko Milemba, and his secretary general Akelo Misori argue that some recommendations infringe on teachers’ employment rights and that the team should not carry on with their implementation.
Omboko Milemba argues that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays an instrumental role in the employment and management of teachers. Limiting the commission’s responsibilities is an infringement of teachers’ rights.
Read also: TSC on the Munavu Recommendations
According to the chairman, some recommendations must undergo serious examination, particularly those that affect TSC. Milemba argues that education reform should seek to empower existing institutions rather than limit their duties and responsibilities.
He continued to add that PWPER did not seek the input of various stakeholders in the education sector, especially regarding teacher management and supervision. He expresses his dissatisfaction with the proposal to transfer the roles of TSC to county commissioners.
Last week, legislators under the leadership of House speaker Moses Wetangula expressed their dissatisfaction with adopting and implementing the recommendations with parliamentary involvement.
Omboko further argues that it is essential to consider laws that affect institutional frameworks and adds that the union will push for a parliamentary review process to ensure that the reforms favor all stakeholders. They must also take into account the welfare of teachers in the creation of a favorable working environment.
The union secretary general also referenced the recent teacher salary increment acknowledging the move but indicating that it does not meet teacher expectations. In his speech, he gave indications of an ongoing negotiation with the aim of further salary increments.
Misori has also accused the government of delaying school capitation funds, indicating school heads’ plight in meeting their institutions’ financial needs.
KUPPET Says No to Employment Reforms.