By Fredrick Odiero
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called upon TSC to look into the issue of teachers’ promotion, especially for teachers in cadre C2-C5.
KUPPET Kisumu branch Executive Secretary Mr Zablon Awange noted that many teachers have stagnated at C2 and that the situation is worse for Diploma teachers yet the union has on several occassions complained over the issue.
He expressed concern that many teachers have been left out in the vertical progression and those promoted haven’t been paid their arrears.
He demanded for institutionalization of C4 as a promotional grade from C3.
Awange called for the renegotiation of the Covid-19 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to have financial rewards.
“The CBA must be renegotiated since the current one was to serve teachers only during the Covid-19 pandemic which is no more,” he added.
He added that employing teachers without factoring in remuneration isn’t enough and that many teachers are struggling to make ends meet.
‘A hungry teacher cannot produce good results. Teachers’ salary must rise to enable them cope with economic, social and professional challenges,’ he said.
Awange lauded the efforts teachers make to ensure effective and prompt supervision, invigilation and examining of national exams.
He expressed concern over the low and delayed payments done several months after release of exams.
Awange not only demanded prompt future payments but also improved rates to the satisfaction of all.
He also talked of the avalanche policies which have granted students more power over teachers.
“The ban on corporal punishment has compromised discipline and led to an increase in drugs and substance abuse by students. There have been cases of some teachers being beaten by rogue students,” he added.
He urged teachers to kindly desist from caning students since it’s against the law and could lead to their interdiction and sometimes criminal litigation.
The executive secretary welcomed the new TSC policy of granting alcoholic teachers a 90-day leave to seek rehabilitation, adding that it’s a step in the right direction to help addicted teachers.
“We don’t expect punitive action but understanding, guidance, counseling and rehabilitation in wellness centers.” He concluded.
