Kuppet to Sue TSC Over Sacked Junior School Teachers.
Junior school teachers recently went on strike as schools reopened for the second term. These teachers work in primary schools and receive a stipend of Sh15,000. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has petitioned the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reinstate 742 teachers whose contracts TSC terminated. Kuppet has given TSC a 14-day ultimatum, threatening legal action if TSC does not reinstate the teachers.
Kuppet Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima emphasized that, although these teachers are not union members, Kuppet will take legal action on their behalf in the public interest. The teachers initiated the strike when schools reopened for the second term last month.
The Nation revealed that TSC issued ‘show cause’ letters to 10,348 teachers, giving them 14 days to respond and return to work. While 9,606 teachers complied, 742 did not, resulting in the termination of their contracts. In total, 46,000 teachers are under contract.
Over the weekend, a lobby group coordinating the strike issued a statement calling off the strike. However, TSC terminated the contracts of junior school teachers on Monday, citing professional misconduct. Mr. Nthurima accused TSC of breaching an agreement. He claimed the union had an understanding with TSC that they would withdraw the ‘show cause’ letters and not take any disciplinary action if teachers resumed work. Nthurima, speaking at a press conference at the union headquarters in Nairobi, stated:
“The dismissals violate the rules of natural justice, which mandate that no one should be condemned unheard. None of the affected teachers had the chance to defend themselves in a disciplinary hearing. These dismissals also contradict the return-to-work formula that Kuppet negotiated with TSC. Under this formula, teachers who resumed work on June 3, 2024, would not face punishment,” Nthurima said.
The strike began after Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) Judge Byram Ongaya ruled that TSC could only employ teachers on permanent terms, not as interns. The teachers demand the implementation of this ruling. There are currently 46,000 teachers under the internship program.
Read also:
- Lawmakers Question CUE Over 277000 Freshman Slots in Universities
- Cherargei Urges TSC to Reinstate Sacked JSS Teachers or Face Parliamentary Censure
- Blow to Intern Teachers as Court of Appeal Suspends Employment Orders
- Minimum Entry Qualifications for Teaching Service in Kenya
Teachers in primary schools earn a stipend of Sh15,000, while those in junior and secondary schools receive Sh20,000. However, their take-home pay is less due to statutory deductions. They also do not benefit from the teachers’ health insurance cover.
On Tuesday, the teachers faced another setback. The Court of Appeal issued stay orders against the ELRC’s judgment, pending the hearing and determination of an appeal by TSC.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has allocated Sh8.3 billion to TSC to convert 26,000 teachers hired last year to permanent terms by July this year, excluding 20,000 others. This allocation follows recommendations by the Committee on Education. TSC had initially planned to implement these conversions in January 2025.
However, the future of the 742 terminated teachers remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the termination of their contracts will affect their future employment prospects. In addition, a source within TSC mentioned, “They have not been de-registered. It’s just a termination of their internship, which is not compulsory.” The source indicates that the replacement of the teachers is already underway.
The conflict between Kuppet and TSC continues to escalate, with significant implications for the affected teachers and the broader educational landscape in Kenya. As the deadline approaches, stakeholders await TSC’s response and potential legal battles that may ensue.
Kuppet to Sue TSC Over Sacked Junior School Teachers.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram