The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised objections to several recommendations brought forth by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).
According to the union, some of the proposals have the potential to restrict the roles of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and could adversely affect the employment rights of educators.
Speaking during the KUPPET Nandi South County branch Annual General Meeting (AGM), National Chairman Omboko Milemba emphasized the need to re-evaluate specific suggestions made in the reforms package.
Milemba underscored the pivotal role that TSC has played in the employment and supervision of teachers, saying that any attempts to curtail its authority would be a breach of teachers’ rights.
He called for a meticulous examination of the recommendations, especially those interfering with the Commission, and emphasized that education reforms should aim to bolster existing institutions rather than undermine their essential functions.
Moreover, Milemba pointed out that certain proposals had been introduced without soliciting input from education stakeholders, particularly regarding the management and oversight of teachers.
He firmly opposed the idea of transferring the roles of TSC to other government agencies, such as county commissioners and provisional administrators, asserting that such changes were unwarranted.
In addition, concerns have been raised in the National Assembly about the implementation of education reforms without parliamentary approval.
Milemba called for a review of the laws pertaining to institutional structures, advocating for parliamentary oversight to ensure the effectiveness of the new education policies.
He stressed the importance of considering teachers’ welfare to create a conducive working environment.
The union Secretary General Akelo Misori welcomed the salary increase ranging from 7 to 9.5 percent as a positive step but indicated that it fell short of teachers’ expectations.
He disclosed that negotiations for a future pay raise are ongoing, demanding an increase of up to 50 per cent.
Misori also said that he was pushing for the promotion of teachers in line with the salary increments and called for increased remuneration for teachers who attain Master’s and Doctorate degrees while in service.
Furthermore, Misori criticized the government for the delayed disbursement of capitation funds, asserting that school administrators were facing difficulties in running the institutions.
By Viola Chepkemoi
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