- KNUT accuse politicians of meddling in teacher deployment and demands accountability from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
- Teachers claim some members received threats and that the transfers disproportionately affected non‑locals, raising fairness concerns.
- TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei reiterated that staffing decisions are the sole mandate of the commission, warning against political interference.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kakamega branch has raised alarm over recent teacher transfers in the county, accusing politicians of meddling in the process and demanding answers from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Union officials in Lurambi Constituency claim the transfers unfairly targeted branch Chairperson Jacob Sifuna and his deputy Gilbert Etole, insisting the decisions were made outside established procedures. Teachers in the area described the exercise as politically motivated, leaving them uncertain about their future postings.
“We would like to ask the TSC to kindly protect its members from the political class. If we can have members of parliament manipulating transfers of teachers, I think it is very unfortunate for us,” said Jackline Mulindi, the treasurer of KNUT Kakamega branch.
The union further alleged that some teachers had received threats linked to the transfers and urged the commission to shield its members from intimidation. Educators also complained that the exercise disproportionately affected teachers who were not originally from Kakamega, raising concerns about fairness and inclusivity.
Branch Executive Secretary Tom Ingolo appealed to politicians to keep off staffing matters, stressing that teacher deployment remains the sole mandate of the TSC. His remarks came amid growing discontent over the commission’s delocalisation policy, which has seen long‑serving teachers displaced from their home counties.
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However, Lurambi Member of Parliament (MP) Titus Khamala denied involvement, saying he has no authority to transfer teachers and that the responsibility lies entirely with the TSC.
Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei had earlier acknowledged that political interference in teacher deployment was a challenge for the commission.
She cautioned politicians and other stakeholders against attempts to influence transfers, reiterating that staffing decisions are exclusively handled by the TSC.
Teachers have also voiced frustration over the commission’s transfer appeals process, claiming that petitions lodged before the transfer committee have yielded little success, with some educators still being posted to distant regions despite their objections.
By Masaki Enock
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