The Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Collins Oyuu, has raised concerns about the alleged incitement of Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers on one-year contracts to stage demonstrations.
Speaking during a National Executive Council meeting, Oyuu cautioned against misusing these young teachers for demonstrations, urging them to present their grievances to union representatives instead.
Over the past week, these teachers have been peacefully protesting for improved contract terms.
Oyuu expressed suspicion about senior school principals endorsing recommendation letters to the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) for teachers who should belong to KNUT.
He warned against attempts to circumvent the law and emphasized vigilance.
The KNUT leader questioned the engagement of interns not employed as permanent and pensionable in street protests, emphasizing the need for clarity in their actions.
Oyuu urged the interns to approach their union representatives to voice their concerns, assuring that registered trade unionists would then advocate on their behalf.
He revealed that the Teachers Service Commission had employed a significant number of teachers as interns to address shortages at all levels.
However, with the contractual terms of these teachers nearing expiration, Oyuu criticized the lack of communication from the commission regarding their future.
Oyuu called for the removal of clauses 56 and 58 in the ongoing review of the code of regulations of teachers, citing their violation of international labor conventions and laws, as well as the Labor Relations Act, 2007.
KNUT demanded that teachers on contracts, who have served well, be converted to permanent and pensionable status without prejudice upon the conclusion of their contractual period.
Highlighting the imminent end of contracts for various cohorts, Oyuu stressed the importance of prioritizing these teachers in the anticipated 2024 hiring process.
The union sought fair treatment and adherence to labor laws for teachers who have diligently served on contractual terms.
By Viola Chepkemoi
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