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KNUT has questioned procedure in the teacher transfer in Sotik amid complaints
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Union officials accuse education authorities of bypassing established procedures and subjecting a teacher to undue pressure.
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KNUT Sotik Branch Executive Secretary John Korir described the move as irregular and inconsistent with the commission’s transfer guidelines.
A disputed teacher transfer in Sotik Sub-county has triggered a standoff between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Union officials accuse education authorities of bypassing established procedures and subjecting a teacher to undue pressure.
The controversy centres on the transfer of a classroom teacher whom KNUT claims was instructed directly by the Rift Valley regional TSC office to leave their station immediately.
KNUT Sotik Branch Executive Secretary John Korir described the move as irregular and inconsistent with the commission’s transfer guidelines.
“It is highly unusual and unprocedural for a classroom teacher to receive instructions from a regional office demanding that they vacate a station as quickly as possible. Such actions raise serious questions about the motive behind the transfer and whether proper procedures are being followed,” Korir said.
The union contends that teacher transfers should be channelled through recognised administrative structures, including county and sub-county offices, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Korir said the case has generated concern among teachers because reports indicate the transfer was justified on grounds that the directive came from higher authorities.
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“Claims that instructions came from ‘above’ cannot be used as justification for violating established regulations and administrative procedures,” he said.
KNUT maintains that teacher transfers should be guided by policy and genuine staffing needs rather than external influence.
The union has also linked the issue to the government’s revised teacher deployment policy introduced in 2022 after President William Ruto assumed office. The policy aimed to address concerns arising from teacher delocalisation by allowing many educators to work closer to their home areas.
Korir argued that the affected teacher had already settled at the station and was carrying out duties effectively, making the transfer difficult to justify.
The union further questioned reports that another teacher is expected to occupy the same position.
“We are particularly concerned that this transfer is being effected in the middle of the term. Such abrupt movements disrupt teaching and learning, interfere with school administration and negatively affect learners who have already adapted to the teacher’s instructional programmes,” he said.
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Korir warned that sudden transfers have consequences beyond the classroom.
“Forcing a teacher to relocate suddenly can disrupt their children’s education, social stability and overall welfare. Transfers should be undertaken in a humane, professional and well-planned manner that safeguards both the interests of learners and the welfare of teachers and their families,” he added.
The matter has now attracted the attention of KNUT’s national leadership, with First National Vice Chairman Malel Langat reportedly engaging relevant authorities in pursuit of answers.
KNUT has called on the Teachers Service Commission to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all deployment decisions are guided by fairness, transparency and adherence to established regulations.
Efforts to obtain a response from Rift Valley Regional TSC Director Adow Mohammed Bardad were unsuccessful. Bardad referred inquiries to the TSC communications department, which had not issued a formal statement by the time of publication.
By Kimutai Langat
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