Teachers in Trans Nzoia County are grappling with administrative gaps, delayed promotions, and rising workplace tensions, the newly elected officials of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have revealed.
Speaking in Kitale, Branch Chairman Paul Weyama said many secondary schools in the county have operated for years without substantive deputy principals, forcing principals to take on multiple roles and straining school management.
He noted that the situation has demoralised teachers eligible for promotion, with some considering leaving the profession in search of better opportunities.
Weyama said the union leadership, barely a month into office following a landslide election victory, has already been confronted with numerous challenges, including delayed promotions despite many teachers having been interviewed and qualified for deputy principal positions.
“In some isolated cases, less experienced teachers have been appointed deputy principals, sidelining more qualified colleagues and creating staff imbalances in schools,” he said.
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The officials also raised concerns over tensions within Comprehensive Schools, where Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers have yet to be fully integrated and recognised by Heads of Institutions, resulting in power struggles.
Additionally, the union cited cases of what it termed “community and political harassment,” with some principals reportedly targeted for transfer on tribal grounds.
Weyama singled out an incident in Endebess Sub-county where a principal was allegedly humiliated by local leaders demanding his transfer.
“We strongly condemn such actions. They are barbaric and unacceptable,” he said, adding that the matter had been reported to the County Director of Education.
The officials, flanked by Executive Secretary Dan Kutai and Treasurer Ken Prichani, reiterated that the union opposes unprocedural transfers of teachers.
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They also called on the Ministry of Education Kenya to urgently inspect learning conditions in several schools, citing poor and unsafe environments.
They singled out St Emmanuel Matisi Comprehensive School, where teachers were reportedly exposed to serious health hazards.
Further concerns raised include delayed payments for retired teachers, late disbursement of capitation funds, and dissatisfaction with the Social Health Authority scheme, which they said has negatively affected teachers.
The officials urged SHA to benchmark with former insurer Minet Kenya, which they said provided better support, including last expense cover.
They added that efforts are underway to strengthen the Burial and Benevolent Fund (BBF) to ensure bereaved families receive support within 48 hours.
By Abisai Amugune
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