The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has outlined reasons that made them miss a stakeholders engagement forum organized by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding the TSC Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
In a letter addressed to TSC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Nancy Macharia dated February 6, 2024, the union Secretary General Collins Oyuu stated that the Commission did not engage them in the drafting of the Amendment Bill, and that they learned of the intent to review the Act during the launch of the Commission’s Strategic Plan on June 6, 2023.
Oyuu further noted that the union required ample time of 2 months to prepare adequately on contentious issues already cited in the Bill and engage its organs; notably the National Executive Council (NEC), National Advisory Council, and Regional Councils, as required by the KNUT Constitution before giving its submission.
“We are requesting for a special engagement with the Commission within 7 days as senior stakeholders where we shall discuss our contributions. We know that the Commission spent quality time on developing proposals for amendments, so why should KNUT, a central stakeholder only take 2 days?” the letter read in part.
Oyuu lamented that when TSC went out to collect views through town hall meetings, the Commission did not allow KNUT officials to give their contributions, with the Commission stating that their views would be taken up at an advanced level.
“All these are maneuvers, innuendoes and malicious acts that do not mean well for teachers and more specifically for the fair working relationship we continue to enjoy…we wish to remind you that the TSC Act from which the code of regulations for teachers shall be made is meant to make teachers work and work environment better and not otherwise,” the letter continued.
TSC has issued an invitation notice for Public Participation and Submission of Memoranda on the Proposed TSC Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 a process that is expected to end on February 15, 2024.
By Roy Hezron
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