Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) officials in Samburu County have delivered a scathing condemnation of what they termed as a gross injustice against local teachers.
The union leaders, backed by dozens of affected teachers, expressed outrage over the recent demotion of 158 teachers who had only just received their promotions last month.
They condemned the decision by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) allegedly influenced by the National Assembly’s Education Committee, to cancel the promotions of teachers from the region that had already been approved, announced and put into effect.
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“This is not just administrative cruelty—it is betrayal,” said William Lengoiyap, Executive Secretary of KUPPET Samburu. “Teachers in Samburu went through a long and costly process. They applied, assembled documents, travelled, attended interviews in places like Nakuru, and earned their new positions fairly. And now, they’re told it was a mistake?”
Lengoiyap, made it clear that KUPPET would not stand by silently. He demanded the immediate reinstatement of the affected teachers and warned of looming industrial action if their voices continued to be ignored.
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“These 158 positions were earned legally and procedurally. They must be returned. If not, we will down tools. We are dealing with a demoralized workforce.” He warned
Benny Lekushula, Secretary of Tertiary Education for KUPPET Samburu, spoke firmly by saying; “We feel abandoned, like orphans,” he said. “How can you give us something today and take it away tomorrow?”
Charles Ismalele, Vice Chairman of KUPPET Samburu, echoed the same dismay. “This isn’t just unfair—it is an attack on our dignity. These teachers worked for their promotions. They passed interviews. They were qualified. And now they’re being told it doesn’t count?”
Their voices were also echoed by Alin Chelsia, a teacher from Samburu and a member of KUPPET, who condemned the removal of hardship allowances for the county.
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“We feel targeted and discriminated against. Samburu teachers endure insecurity, rough terrain, and isolation to deliver education. Why are we being treated like we don’t matter?”
Chelsia went on to say that removing Samburu from the list of hardship areas is not only unjustified but dangerous. “The challenges here are real. The risks are real. We sacrifice a lot just to keep schools running.”
KUPPET Samburu officials promised to challenge the TSC decision in court, confirming that they have already filed an application seeking court orders to block the revocation of the promotions and to compel the TSC to implement the original promotion list that had been approved.
“We are immediately filing an application in court to get stay orders so that they reinstate the original list which was prepared by the employer” Lengoiyap said, “We are not begging. We are demanding what is rightfully ours.”
By Cornelius Korir
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